Crossword Genius

She gives a soldier contradictory directions (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

girl

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'she' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'a soldier contradictory directions' is the wordplay.
'a soldier' becomes 'gi' (government issue or general issue).
'contradictory directions' becomes 'rl' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'gi'+'rl'='GIRL'

'gives' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for girl that I've seen before include "Maid" , "Miss" , "Lassie" , "Female child" , "Maidservant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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