Total number, we hear, who like it hot? (4)
I believe the answer is:
some
'total number we hear who like it hot?' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
'total number we hear' is the wordplay.
'total number' becomes 'sum' (I've seen this in another clue).
'we hear' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'sum' is a homophone of 'SOME'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for some that I've seen before include "An unspecified quantity, not all" , "Undefined number" , "A little; not a little" , "An undetermined number" , "Hard work" .)