Crossword Genius

How to deny accusations of cold feet (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hotly

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'how' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adverbs. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for hotly that I've seen before include "showing passion" , "showing eagerness" , "Heatedly" , "disputed thus?" , "With zeal - as one may be pursued" .)

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