Unfriendly stage of wedlock arising (4)
I believe the answer is:
cold
'unfriendly' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'of wedlock arising' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'arising' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'dloc' can be found hidden inside 'wedlock'.
'dloc' in reverse letter order is 'COLD'.
'stage' acts as a link.
This may not be correct. It may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cold that I've seen before include "Unemotional; wintry" , "Mild viral infection, very common" , "Frigid" , "Chilly; minor ailment" , "At low temperature" .)