Crossword Genius

Marriage bonds spoil it, a little latitude is required (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marital

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'marriage' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'spoil it a little latitude is required' is the wordplay.
'spoil' becomes 'mar' (synonyms).
'little' indicates taking the first letters.
'is required' says to put letters next to each other.
The initial letter of 'latitude' is 'l'.
'mar'+'it'+'a'+'l'='MARITAL'

'bonds' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for marital that I've seen before include "Referring to a union" , "alliance" , "describing matrimony" , "Relating to wedded life" , "Of nuptials" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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