Crossword Genius

Easy situation of a criminal catching disease (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

affluence

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'easy situation' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a criminal catching disease' is the wordplay.
'criminal' becomes 'fence' (someone who handles stolen goods).
'catching' indicates putting letters inside.
'disease' becomes 'flu' (flu is a kind of health problem).
'fence' placed around 'flu' is 'ffluence'.
'a'+'ffluence'='AFFLUENCE'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for affluence that I've seen before include "Wealth - abundance" , "Fortune" , "being loaded" , "Prosperity or wealth" , "Plenty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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