Crossword Genius

I'm holding a number said to be corrupt (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

immoral

'be corrupt' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'i'm holding a number said' is the wordplay.
'holding' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a number' becomes 'm' (M is an example).
'said' becomes 'oral' (both can mean spoken).
'im'+'m'+'oral'='IMMORAL'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for immoral that I've seen before include "Not conforming to accepted rules of conduct, particularly in sexual matters" , "Wicked" , "Licentious - dissolute" , "bad!" , "Lacking a sense of right and wrong" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.