Crossword Genius

Bear hugs are left over for bear (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tolerate

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

'for bear' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'bear hugs are left' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
an anagram of 'are' is 'era' which is present in the answer.
'left' could be 'l' (common abbreviation) and 'l' is found in the answer.
'bear' could be 'tote' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'tote' is found within the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'over' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tolerate that I've seen before include "show forbearance" , "Allow" , "Put up with, bear" , "Treat fairly" , "Family relative" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.