Only part of lethal force (4)
I believe the answer is:
half
'only part' is the definition.
'half' can be an answer for 'part' (thesaurus). I am unsure of the 'only' bit.
'of lethal force' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'HALF' is hidden within 'lethal force'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for half that I've seen before include "Short distance - steal!" , "0.5" , "alcoholic drink" , "one over a couple" , "Wife the better one (joc.)" .)