Crossword Genius

We set out without a trace of bitterness (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sweet

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

'bitterness' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'we set out without a trace' is the wordplay.
'out' means to remove the last letter.
'without' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'a trace' becomes 't' (this might be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'set' with its final letter taken away is 'se'.
'we' going within 'se' is 'swee'.
'swee'+'t'='SWEET'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sweet that I've seen before include "darling" , "Amiable" , "Sour companion" , "Sugary - but might be tart!" , "Pud" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.