Crossword Genius

Timid male reaction to mouse? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

meek

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

'timid' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'male reaction to mouse?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'male' could be 'm' (common abbreviation) and 'm' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'eek' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for meek that I've seen before include "due a massive inheritance" , "Deferential" , "Patient and submissive" , "Humbly compliant" , "Gentle and self-effacing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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