Crossword Genius

Observing deficiency in action of bell? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

noting

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'observing' is the definition.
(note can mean to observe or notice)

'deficiency in action of bell?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'in' is present in the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for noting that I've seen before include "Seeing" , "Recording in writing" , "Observing or taking down" , "Making brief record as memory aid" , "Paying close attention to something" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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