Crossword Genius

With great intelligence I pass back the local spirit (6,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

genius loci

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

'local spirit' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'with great intelligence i pass back' is the wordplay.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'great intelligence' becomes 'genius' (I've seen this before).
'pass' becomes 'col' (col is a term for a mountain pass).
'back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'i'+'col'='icol'
'icol' back-to-front is 'loci'.
'genius' next to 'loci' is 'GENIUS LOCI'.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for genius loci that I've seen is " spirit in the neighbourhood".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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