Crossword Genius

Prevents editor spinning the likes of Saddam (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

despots

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'likes of saddam' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'prevents editor spinning' is the wordplay.
'prevents' becomes 'stops' (stopping is a kind of preventing).
'editor' becomes 'ed' (abbreviation).
'spinning' is a reversal indicator.
'stops'+'ed'='stopsed'
'stopsed' backwards is 'DESPOTS'.

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for despots that I've seen before include "Tyrants" , "Autocrats" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app