Friendly pair in denial during stroll (7)

I believe the answer is:

amiable

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'friendly' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'pair in denial during stroll' is the wordplay.
'pair in denial' becomes 'ia' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'during' is an insertion indicator.
'stroll' becomes 'amble' (synonyms).
'ia' placed inside 'amble' is 'AMIABLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for amiable that I've seen before include "Of sweet and friendly disposition" , "Friendly, kindly" , "'Friendly, pleasant and good-tempered (7)'" , "Good-humoured" , "Charming" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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