Crossword Genius

Like Uncle, in a state (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assam

'a state' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'like uncle' is the wordplay.
'like' becomes 'as'.
'uncle' becomes 'sam' (Uncle Sam is an example).
'as'+'sam'='ASSAM'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for assam that I've seen before include "State of NE India" , "State in northeastern India" , "I'll provide lots of tea" , "Variety of tea" , "Tea-growing state in north-east India" .)

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