Crossword Genius

Temptation gripped adult being cuddled (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bait

'temptation' is the definition.
(bait is a kind of temptation)

'gripped adult being cuddled' is the wordplay.
'gripped' becomes 'bit' (biting is a kind of gripping).
'adult' becomes 'a' (abbreviation).
'being cuddled' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'bit' placed around 'a' is 'BAIT'.

(Other definitions for bait that I've seen before include "N in radio comms" , "Used to lure fish or other animals into danger" , "Food used as lure" , "What lures" , "Enticement for fish" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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