The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SUBTLE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
U
B
T
L
E
More clues leading to the result SUBTLE
- America backed Biden-Trump leadership election? At first, it’s not obvious
- It’s fine to hurry when bus turns up
- Fine under hat, one invisible
- Refined what some tenants may do when rent finally gets raised
- . Slight reserve tense facing Bale? Not half
- It gets lost in translation on screen? Fine
- Nice caption, but cross it out!
- Animation coming with first-half upset not immediately obvious?
- Upset but extremely ladylike after son’s slight
- Mild tumult after third and first places switched
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "not immediately obvious" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case not immediately obvious = subtle.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SUBTLE mean?
SUBTLE adjective- Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.
- (of a thing) Cleverly contrived.
- (of a person or animal) Cunning, skillful.
- Insidious.
- Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency.
- Refined; exquisite.