Crossword Genius

Show affection for feminine vehicle? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caress

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

'show affection' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'feminine vehicle?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'vehicle?' could be 'car' (car is a kind of vehicle) and 'car' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ess' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for caress that I've seen before include "Scares into handle lovingly" , "Gentle loving touch" , "Expression of affection" , "Stroke lovingly" , "pet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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