Crossword Genius

Stale perspiration, it seems, has long been soldierly (3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

old sweat

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'it seems has long been soldierly' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether this works.

'stale perspiration' is the wordplay.
'stale' becomes 'old' (associated in meaning).
'perspiration' becomes 'sweat' (synonyms).
'old'+'sweat'='OLD SWEAT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for old sweat that I've seen before include "Very experienced chap" , "Veteran, one expected to 7" , "Veteran soldier" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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