Crossword Genius

Loyal, possibly, to certain union (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alloy

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'certain union' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'loyal possibly' is the wordplay.
'possibly' indicates an anagram.
'loyal' with letters rearranged gives 'ALLOY'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alloy that I've seen before include "Metals fused together" , "Mixture of two or more metals" , "Eg, pewter or brass" , "Bronze, say" , "Mixed metal" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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