Crossword Genius

Teacher returned single meatball (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rissole

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

'meatball' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'teacher returned single' is the wordplay.
'teacher' becomes 'sir' (way of addressing a male teacher).
'returned' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'single' becomes 'sole' (similar in meaning).
'sir' written backwards gives 'ris'.
'ris'+'sole'='RISSOLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rissole that I've seen before include "Croquette" , "Meatball fried in crumbs" , "Small cake of deep-fried minced meat" , "faggot" , "Minced meat or fish deep fried in egg and breadcrumbs" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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