Crossword Genius

Swallow with a soft cry of pain (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pouch

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

'swallow' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'with a soft cry of pain' is the wordplay.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a soft' becomes 'p' (musical abbreviation for 'piano').
'cry of pain' becomes 'ouch' (I've seen this before).
'p' put next to 'ouch' is 'POUCH'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pouch that I've seen before include "Kangaroo's pocket" , "Bag" , "joey's home" , "Container for tobacco or young" , "Marsupial's baby carrier" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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.