Crossword Genius

Almost certain to embrace Frenchwoman in period of warmer weather? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

summer

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

'period of warmer weather?' is the definition.
'summer' can be an answer for 'period' (summer is a kind of period). I'm not certain of the 'of warmer weather?' bit.

'almost certain to embrace frenchwoman' is the wordplay.
'almost' means to remove the last letter (almost the whole word is kept).
'certain' becomes 'sure' (synonyms).
'to embrace' indicates putting letters inside.
'frenchwoman' becomes 'mme' (abbreviation for madame).
'sure' with its final letter removed is 'sur'.
'sur' enclosing 'mme' is 'SUMMER'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for summer that I've seen before include "See 10" , "Best of times" , "Adder" , "- - time (Gershwin)" , "Sunny season, allegedly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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