Hide a lot too much (5)
I believe the answer is:
cover
'hide' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'a lot too much' is the wordplay.
'a lot' becomes 'c' (**).
'too much' becomes 'over' (I've seen this before).
'c'+'over'='COVER'
(Other definitions for cover that I've seen before include "Conceal, screen" , "Disguise" , "Extend over (an area)" , "Fielder" , "Lid or shelter" .)