Crossword Genius

Let it be known though it's confidential (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

intimate

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'confidential' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for intimate that I've seen before include "Friendly" , "Suggest to trusted friend?" , "Personal - hint - friend" , "Make known" , "Hint to a familiar friend" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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