Hoping to acquire secret number (3)
I believe the answer is:
pin
'number' is the definition.
(I know that PIN is a type of number)
'hoping to acquire secret' is the wordplay.
'PIN' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pin that I've seen before include "Skittle; fix" , "Fastener; brooch" , "Fixing device" , "Sewer's aid" , "Badge" .)