Crossword Genius

An officer before journey finds close friend (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alter ego

'close friend' is the definition.

'an officer before journey' is the wordplay.
'an' becomes 'a'.
'officer' becomes 'lt' (I've seen this in other clues**).
'before' becomes 'ere' (usually literary).
'journey' becomes 'go' (I've seen this in other clues).
'a'+'lt'+'ere'+'go'='ALTER EGO'

'finds' is the link.

(Other definitions for alter ego that I've seen before include "'One's alternative personality (5,3)'" , "Is it Kent" , "A person's secondary personality" , "bosom buddy" , "Trusted friend" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.