Crossword Genius

Coy about leaving accessory as a gesture of affection (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caress

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gesture of affection' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'coy about leaving accessory as a' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'about' could be 're' ('re' means regarding or about) and 're' is found in the answer.
'as' is within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for caress that I've seen before include "Embrace with affection" , "pet[s]" , "show of affection" , "Gentle affectionate stroking" , "Stroke lovingly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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