Crossword Genius

Witness recalled insecure tone (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

noter

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

'witness' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'recalled insecure tone' is the wordplay.
'NOTER' is hidden back-to-front in amongst the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for noter that I've seen before include "He jots things down" , "One observes" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app