Crossword Genius

Thug's initial motive for serious crime (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

treason

'serious crime' is the definition.
(treason is a crime)

'thug's initial motive' is the wordplay.
'initial' suggests taking the first letters.
'motive' becomes 'reason' (reason is a kind of motive).
The first letter of 'thugs' is 't'.
't'+'reason'='TREASON'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for treason that I've seen before include "Crime of treachery against the state" , "Disloyalty (to one's country)" , "subversion" , "Criminal attempt to overthrow a government" , "Lese-majesty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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.