Crossword Genius

Really hot cafe, door guards going around (2,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

de facto

'really' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'hot cafe door guards going around' is the wordplay.
'guards' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'going around' is a reversal indicator.
'otcafed' is hidden in the letters of 'hot cafe door'.
'otcafed' back-to-front is 'DE FACTO'.

(Other definitions for de facto that I've seen before include "In fact (whether by right or not)" , "Actual, not legal (situation)" , "actually" , "In practice" , "In reality, actual" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.