Crossword Genius

Complaint with food soldiers returned (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ailment

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'complaint' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'with food soldiers returned' is the wordplay.
'with' indicates putting letters inside.
'food' becomes 'ilmen' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'soldiers' becomes 'TA' (abbreviation for Territorial Army).
'returned' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'ta' written backwards gives 'at'.
'ilmen' going into 'at' is 'AILMENT'.

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(Other definitions for ailment that I've seen before include "I lament (anag.)" , "Sickness" , "Tummy upset, for instance" , "infirmity" , "Bodily disorder or disease" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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