Swindler, that is, becomes a raw recruit (6)

I believe the answer is:

rookie

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'a raw recruit' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'swindler that is' is the wordplay.
'swindler' becomes 'rook' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'that is' becomes 'ie' (short for Latin 'id est', 'that is').
'rook'+'ie'='ROOKIE'

'becomes' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rookie that I've seen before include "Raw recruit" , "new team member" , "Beginner as in the army" , "inexperienced fighter" , "Novice" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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