Crossword Genius

Deserter's retreat? (7)

Ross

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

7

3,4

rathole

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

'deserter's retreat?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'deserter's retreat?' is the wordplay.
'deserter' becomes 'rat' (both can mean a traitor).
'retreat?' becomes 'hole' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'rat'+'hole'='RATHOLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rathole that I've seen before include "Dirty room" , "Small room" , "Sign of infestation" , "Rodent entrance" , "pit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app