Hardy character on Tube briefly welcoming woman (7)
I believe the answer is:
hostess
'hardy character' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'tube briefly welcoming woman' is the wordplay.
'tube' becomes 'hose' (hose is a kind of tube).
'briefly' means to remove the last letter.
'welcoming woman' becomes 'tess' (I am not sure about the 'welcoming' bit.).
'hose' with its last letter taken off is 'hos'.
'hos'+'tess'='HOSTESS'
'on' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for hostess that I've seen before include "Lady with guests" , "Mistress of ceremonies" , "Aircraft stewardess" , "She entertains guests" , "Woman giving a party" .)