Crossword Genius

Was their job to weaken enemy strength? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sappers

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

'was their job' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'weaken enemy strength?' is the wordplay.
'weaken' becomes 'sap' (I've seen this in another clue).
'enemy strength?' becomes 'pers' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'sap'+'pers'='SAPPERS'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sappers that I've seen before include "Military engineers" , "Royal Engineers" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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