Hardly the subject of a secret love? (6)
I believe the answer is:
garlic
'love?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for garlic that I've seen before include "Strong-tasting onion-like plant, bad for vampires" , "Plant used in cookery" , "Culinary bulb" , "Pungent bulb feared by vampires" , "Pungent member of onion family" .)