Nothing sinister about this trusted adviser? (5-4,3)
I believe the answer is:
right-hand man
This clue might be a double definition.
'nothing sinister about this' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'trusted adviser?' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for right-hand man that I've seen before include "Important assistant" , "Indispensable assistant" , "Reliable assistant" , "One's most valuable assistant" , "Chief assistant; major domo" .)