Crossword Genius

Ugly creature little expected to receive love (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

toad

'ugly creature' is the definition.

'little expected to receive love' is the wordplay.
'little' becomes 'tad'.
'expected to receive' indicates putting letters inside.
'love' becomes 'o' (In tennis, 'love' means 'zero').
'tad' going around 'o' is 'TOAD'.

(Other definitions for toad that I've seen before include "Stout-bodied amphibian" , "Amphibian with warts" , "Froglike animal or repulsive person" , "Dangerous driver" , "driver of reckless repute" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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