Crossword Genius

Can I provide a friendly solution? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

amiable

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

'provide a friendly solution?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'can i' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'can' could be 'able' (I've seen this before) and 'able' is found in the answer.
'i' could be 'a' and 'a' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'mi' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for amiable that I've seen before include "Charming" , "Of sweet and friendly disposition" , "'Affable, genial (7)'" , "'Cordial, friendly (7)'" , "Good-humoured" .)

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