Crossword Genius

Spirited soldiers survey flanks (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sassy

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'spirited' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'soldiers survey flanks' is the wordplay.
'soldiers' becomes 'sas' (Special Air Service).
'survey flanks' becomes 'sy' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'sas'+'sy'='SASSY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sassy that I've seen before include "Cheeky American" , "Bold, spirited, cheeky (Amer.)" , "Impertinent (US colloq.)" , "(In US) saucy" , "Pert" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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