Crossword Genius

One who swears or turns into a drunkard (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trooper

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

'one who swears' is the definition.
The answer is a person as well as being a singular noun. This is suggested by the definition.

'or turns into a drunkard' is the wordplay.
'turns' is an anagram indicator.
'into' indicates putting letters inside.
'a drunkard' becomes 'toper' (I've seen this before).
'or' is an anagram of 'ro'.
'ro' going within 'toper' is 'TROOPER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trooper that I've seen before include "Cavalry 21" , "Proverbially swearing soldier" , "Cavalry soldier" , "Cavalryman" , "Soldier, proverbial swearer" .)

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