Crossword Genius

Bet about top soldier shortly becoming sharp (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pungent

'sharp' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'bet about top soldier shortly' is the wordplay.
'bet' becomes 'punt' (punting is a kind of betting).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'top soldier shortly' becomes 'gen' (short for general; 'shortly' indicates an abbreviation).
'punt' going around 'gen' is 'PUNGENT'.

'becoming' is the link.

(Other definitions for pungent that I've seen before include "delivering powerful smack" , "Acrid to smell" , "Biting" , "Strong and sharp" , "Smelly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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