Crossword Genius

Very close, offering affection (4,2,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hand in glove

'very close' is the definition.

'offering affection' is the wordplay.
'offering' becomes 'handing'.
'affection' becomes 'love' (I've seen this before).
'handing'+'love'='HAND IN GLOVE'

(Other definitions for hand in glove that I've seen before include "in close partnership" , "In cahoots" , "Cooperating" , "Working together" , "extremely close" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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