Crossword Genius

This Camembert is not too bad (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hard cheese

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

'this camembert is not too' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'bad' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'bad' could be 'hard' (similar in meaning) and 'hard' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'cheese' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hard cheese that I've seen before include "Expression of sympathy" , "Eighteen [EMMENTAL], for instance" , "Che sfortuna!" , "commiserating words" , "Pecorino" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app