Crossword Genius

Bother over burning gas (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

star

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'burning gas' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how one could define the other.

'bother over' is the wordplay.
'bother' becomes 'rats' (exclamation of frustration).
'over' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'rats' written backwards gives 'STAR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for star that I've seen before include "Five-pointed figure" , "Famous performer" , "A .... called Henry (Roddy Doyle)" , "The leading player is heavenly" , "Principal actor in a film" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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