Crossword Genius

Not this cold, hot layer of straw, say? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thatch

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

'layer of straw say?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'not this cold hot' is the wordplay.
'not this' becomes 'that'.
'cold' becomes 'c' (eg on taps).
'hot' becomes 'h'.
'that'+'c'+'h'='THATCH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thatch that I've seen before include "Cover for house" , "Material used to cover" , "unusual roof" , "Rural roofing" , "Old-fashioned roofing material" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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