Thugs get an embrace (3)
I believe the answer is:
hug
'an embrace' is the definition.
(I know that hug is a type of embrace)
'thugs get' is the wordplay.
'get' says the answer is hidden in the clue (I've seen 'gets' mean this).
'HUG' can be found hidden inside 'thugs'.
(Other definitions for hug that I've seen before include "Cuddle" , "Clasp" , "A hearty embrace as of bear" , "Embrace (like a bear?)" , "Tight embrace" .)