Crossword Genius

Hot ire concerning sycophantic associate (6-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hanger-on

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

'hot ire concerning' is the wordplay.
'hot' becomes 'h'.
'ire' becomes 'anger' ('anger' can be a synonym of 'ire').
'concerning' becomes 'on'.
'h'+'anger'+'on'='HANGER-ON'

(Other definitions for hanger-on that I've seen before include "An unwanted follower or dependant - swings out of you" , "Dependent - sycophantic follower" , "Sycophantic associate" , "Someone who tags along" , "A sycophant - he really clings" .)

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