Crossword Genius

Man of war? (4)

Ross

I think it could be either:

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4

7

soldier

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'man of war' is the definition.
'soldier' can be an answer for 'man' (soldier is a kind of man). I am not sure about the 'of war' bit.

'man of war' is the wordplay.
'man' becomes 'Sol'.
'of war' becomes 'dier' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'sol'+'dier'='SOLDIER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for soldier that I've seen before include "Member of a fighting force" , "part of breakfast perhaps" , "Person serving in army" , "Military person" , "20 down man" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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