Crossword Genius

It' hot to the tongue and cold to the ear (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chilli

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

'it' hot to the tongue' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'cold to the ear' is the wordplay.
'cold' becomes 'chilly' (I've seen this before).
'to the ear' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'chilly' is a homophone of 'CHILLI'.

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chilli that I've seen before include "Hot-tasting red pepper used as relish" , "Hot stuff (though it sounds cold)" , "sort of powder" , "Hot red pepper used as seasoning" , "Give up completely" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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