Crossword Genius

Secretary at work is smart? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pain

'smart?' is the definition.
(smart is a kind of pain)

'secretary at work' is the wordplay.
'secretary' becomes 'pa' (abbreviation for personal assistant).
'at work' becomes 'in' (eg being in as opposed to being off sick).
'pa'+'in'='PAIN'

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for pain that I've seen before include "French bread?" , "Mental distress" , "Unpleasant sensation" , "Tiresome figure" , "Suffering, distress" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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