Crossword Genius

Hug me on returning with couple (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

embrace

'hug' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'me on returning with couple' is the wordplay.
'on returning' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'couple' becomes 'brace' (synonyms).
'me' written backwards gives 'em'.
'em'+'brace'='EMBRACE'

(Other definitions for embrace that I've seen before include "Include, contain" , "affectionate greeting" , "Hold closely, include" , "Enfold affectionately in arms" , "squeeze" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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