Crossword Genius

Maiden hugs assistant (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aide

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

'assistant' is the definition.
(aide is a kind of assistant)

'maiden hugs' is the wordplay.
'AIDE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aide that I've seen before include "Assistant to a more senior person" , "Somebody helping" , "Officer in attendance" , "auxiliary" , "someone in assistance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app