Thugs have to show affection (3)
I believe the answer is:
hug
'show 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?
'thugs have' is the wordplay.
'have' indicates a hidden word.
'HUG' is hidden in the letters of 'thugs'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for hug that I've seen before include "Clasp" , "Cuddle" , "Bear-like embrace?" , "Embrace (like a bear?)" , "Tight embrace" .)