Crossword Genius

Cold, say, for which one lines cape (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

illness

'cold say' is the definition.
(I know that cold is a type of communicable disease)

'one lines cape' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'lines' becomes 'll' (l is an abbreviation for line).
'cape' becomes 'ness' (synonyms).
'i'+'ll'+'ness'='ILLNESS'

'for which' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for illness that I've seen before include "Ailment, disorder" , "Malady, sickness" , "Disease, sickness" , "Period of sickness" , "Indisposition, sickness" .)

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