What does the cryptic crossword clue "Not entirely unusual, a scandal I'm afraid to say (4)" mean?

The definition is "say". The wordplay uses a hidden word. Hidden in "not entirely unusuAL, A Scandal i'm afraid to say" The answer is Alas.

Not entirely unusual, a scandal I'm afraid to say (4)

Telegraph Prize Cryptic #3016 | 24 Across | 2019-08-11 flower