What does the cryptic crossword clue "Stout caring heart needed in unpleasant surroundings (6)" mean?

The definition is "Stout". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). RI (synonym="RI") in VILE (synonym="unpleasant") = VIRILE; definition: "Stout" The answer is VIRILE.

Stout caring heart needed in unpleasant surroundings (6)

Guardian Cryptic #28958 | 2 Down | 2023-01-04 flower

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