Crossword Genius

Pole planted in big ranch, initially, making wish (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hunger

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

'wish' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'pole planted in big ranch initially' is the wordplay.
'pole' becomes 'n' (abbreviation for North, as in North Pole).
'planted in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'big' becomes 'huge' (similar in meaning).
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'ranch' is 'r'.
'n' inserted within 'huge' is 'hunge'.
'hunge'+'r'='HUNGER'

'making' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hunger that I've seen before include "Physiological need for food" , "Tummy-rumbling desire" , "Strong desire - sort of strike?" , "Aching need" , "Thirst" .)

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