Crossword Genius

A first number in temporary accommodation were boarders (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tenants

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

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

'a first number in temporary accommodation were' is the wordplay.
'first number' becomes 'n' (sst letter of 'number').
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'temporary accommodation' becomes 'tent' (I've seen this before).
'were' becomes 's' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'n'='an'
'an' put into 'tent' is 'tenant'.
'tenant'+'s'='TENANTS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tenants that I've seen before include "residents" , "Occupiers" , "They pay rent" , "Lodgers" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.