Crossword Genius

Numbers broken into by wildly keen Drifters? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nomads

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

'drifters?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'numbers broken into by wildly keen' is the wordplay.
'numbers' becomes 'nos' ('no' is an abbreviation for number).
'broken into by' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters break into the word).
'wildly keen' becomes 'mad' (both can mean enthusiastic about. I am not sure about the 'wildly' bit.).
'nos' going around 'mad' is 'NOMADS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nomads that I've seen before include "Gypsies" , "Vagrant peoples" , "Damson for wanderers" , "Homeless types" , "Damson for wandering tribes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app