Alternative to hard currency? (4,5)
I believe the answer is:
easy money
'alternative' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.
'hard currency?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'currency?' could be 'money' (money is a kind of currency) and 'money' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'easy' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for easy money that I've seen before include "Effortlessly-obtained cash" , "return without difficulty" , "Good pay for little work" , "Readily gained income" , "Can one get this for jam" .)