Crossword Genius

Fondle German guy? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grope

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

'fondle' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'german guy?' is the wordplay.
'german' becomes 'g' (abbreviation).
'guy?' becomes 'rope' (guy is a type of rope or cable).
'g'+'rope'='GROPE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grope that I've seen before include "Search blindly" , "Paw" , "Search by hand" , "Flounder" , "touch up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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