Crossword Genius

Guarded in armed combat close to boundary (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wary

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

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

'armed combat close to boundary' is the wordplay.
'armed combat' becomes 'war' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'armed' bit.).
'close to' indicates one should take the final letters (the close of something is the end).
The final letter of 'boundary' is 'y'.
'war'+'y'='WARY'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wary that I've seen before include "Guarded" , "Watchful" , "Careful - cautious" , "Cautious, suspicious" , "Cautious of danger" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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