Crossword Genius

Embracing the boy, the girl got the fever (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

malaria

'the fever' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'embracing the boy the girl' is the wordplay.
'embracing' indicates putting letters inside.
'the boy' becomes 'Al'.
'the girl' becomes 'maria' ().
'al' placed within 'maria' is 'MALARIA'.

'got' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for malaria that I've seen before include "Disease from bites by infected mosquitoes" , "It's transmitted by a mosquito bite" , "Infectious fever" , "Am a liar (anag) - fever" , "Disease from bites by infected mosquitos" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app