Crossword Genius

Sailor taking part-time soldiers on river (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tar

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'sailor' is the definition.
(slang term for a sailor)

'part-time soldiers on river' is the wordplay.
'part-time soldiers' becomes 'ta' (abbreviation for Territorial Army. I am not sure about the 'part-time' bit.).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, letters appear on others).
'river' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'ta'+'r'='TAR'

'taking' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "Road-making substance" , "Informal sailor, the rat" , "A sailor; a preservative" , "Informal sailor or coal distillation" , "Slang sailor or road surfacing material" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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