Crossword Genius

When liberated, Lance split and worked as a mercenary (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

freelanced

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'worked as a mercenary' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'when liberated lance split' is the wordplay.
'when liberated' becomes 'freed' (synonyms. I am not sure about the 'when' bit.).
'split' indicates putting letters inside (some letters split a word into two).
'freed' placed around 'lance' is 'FREELANCED'.

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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