Only, you must admit, a cold comfort (6)
I believe the answer is:
solace
'comfort' is the definition.
(solace is a kind of comfort)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for solace that I've seen before include "Consolation, comfort" , "Comfort and reassurance" , "Comfort in time of disappointment or sorrow" , "Comfort in misery" , "amusement" .)