Crossword Genius

River boat enters to bring conscript across pond (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

draftee

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

'conscript across pond' is the definition.
'draftee' can be an answer for 'conscript' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'across pond' bit.

'river boat enters' is the wordplay.
'river' becomes 'dee' (River Dee).
'boat' becomes 'raft' (I've seen this before).
'enters' is an insertion indicator.
'dee' enclosing 'raft' is 'DRAFTEE'.

'to bring' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for draftee that I've seen before include "One forced to join" , "Soldier, perhaps unwilling" , "US conscript" , "American military conscript" , "one brought into service" .)

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