Bordering on inappropriate, in a way

RACY

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n*\"It might describe a spicy novel or a daring joke—just a step beyond proper.\"*\n\nThis hint suggests the tone of the word without directly referencing the original clue or giving away the answer. It points toward the idea of something being slightly risqué or edgy, which aligns with \"racy.\""]

The clue **"Bordering on inappropriate, in a way"** leads to the answer **"RACY"** through a combination of definition and wordplay. - **Definition**: "Racy" means slightly improper or risqué, fitting the idea of being "bordering on inappropriate." - **Wordplay**: The word "bordering" hints at the word "race" (as in a race track or boundary), with the addition of the letter "Y" (a common suffix meaning "characterized by"). Thus, "race" + "Y" = "racy," reinforcing the idea of something edging toward being improper. The clue cleverly blends the literal meaning of "racy" with a subtle breakdown of the word itself.