Crossword Genius

Number observed, outside of five (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

seven

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

'number observed outside of five' is the definition.
'seven' can be an answer for 'number' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'observed outside of five' bit.

'number observed outside' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'v' (V is an example).
'observed' becomes 'seen' (synonyms).
'outside' indicates putting letters inside.
'v' placed inside 'seen' is 'SEVEN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for seven that I've seen before include "Wonders of the World - Deadly Sins" , "Cube root of 343" , "Numeral" , "VII" , "equivalent of uproar [7D]" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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