Like some troops seen in retreat? (4)
I believe the answer is:
poor
'like' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'troops seen in retreat?' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'retreat?' says the letters should be written backwards (I've seen 'retreat' mean this).
'roop' is hidden within 'troops seen'.
'roop' backwards is 'POOR'.
'some' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for poor that I've seen before include "Impecunious; wretched" , "(Person) with little money" , "Having little money or means" , "Destitute" , "Penniless" .)