old soldier crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions for the crossword clue "old soldier crossword," meticulously categorized by letter count to help you quickly solve your puzzle. We provide clear answers and concise explanations for optimal assistance.
Solutions for "old soldier crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EXGI: Abbreviation for an ex-Government Issue, referring to a former US soldier.
6 Letters
DIGGER: Informal term for an Australian or New Zealand soldier, sometimes used to refer to a veteran.
7 Letters
VETERAN: A person who has served in the military, often used to refer to someone who is old or long-serving.
8 Letters
WARHORSE: An old, experienced person, especially one who has seen a lot of service or conflict. Often used metaphorically for an old soldier.
9 Letters
PENSIONER: A person who receives a pension, often from past military service, and is typically of an older age.
More About "old soldier crossword"
The clue "old soldier" is a classic in crosswords, often pointing directly to terms that denote experience, past service, or retirement from the military. While VETERAN is almost always the go-to answer, knowing related synonyms and concepts can be key to unlocking trickier puzzles or those with specific letter constraints.
Crossword setters love to play with synonyms and slight variations in meaning. An "old soldier" might be someone literally aged, or metaphorically "old" in terms of their extensive experience. Consider the context provided by other clues or the puzzle's theme to discern if the setter is looking for a direct translation or a more nuanced interpretation like a "warhorse" – a term suggesting long, tough service.
Understanding military terminology and common idioms related to service can greatly aid in solving these clues. Furthermore, paying attention to the required letter count is paramount, as it immediately narrows down the pool of potential answers, guiding you towards the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "old soldier," consider if the setter implies age, experience, or retired status. This helps differentiate between VETERAN, WARHORSE, or PENSIONER.
- Check Letter Count First: Always cross-reference the number of letters in your potential answer with the grid. This is the quickest way to eliminate incorrect possibilities.
- Consider Slang and Idioms: Crosswords often use informal terms or common phrases. "EXGI" and "DIGGER" are examples of more specific, less formal answers that might appear.
- Look for Anagrams or Homophones: While less common for direct definitions, sometimes part of the clue might hint at a wordplay element that leads to a related term.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common crossword answer for 'old soldier'?
The most common and widely accepted answer for 'old soldier' in crosswords is VETERAN. This term directly denotes someone who has served in the armed forces for a long time or is retired from service.
Are there other terms for 'old soldier' besides VETERAN?
Yes, depending on the clue's nuance and letter count, other terms like WARHORSE (implying a seasoned and tough individual), PENSIONER (focusing on the retirement aspect), or even specific military slang like EXGI (for former US soldiers) can be valid answers.
How does context help in solving 'old soldier' clues?
Context is crucial. Look for surrounding words in the clue (e.g., 'retired', 'decorated', 'from the past') or the puzzle's theme. The number of letters required is also a definitive hint, narrowing down possibilities significantly.