Crossword Genius

Creep inside left... (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sidle

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

'creep' is the definition.
(both can mean to move secretly or quietly)

'left' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'left' could be 'l' (common abbreviation) and 'l' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'side' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'inside' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sidle that I've seen before include "sidewalk" , "Walk crabwise" , "Make cautious progress" , "Inch along" , "Slide (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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