Crossword Genius

Villain putting squeeze on the leader (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thug

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'villain' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'squeeze on the leader' is the wordplay.
'squeeze' becomes 'hug' (synonyms).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'leader' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'the' is 't'.
'hug' put after 't' is 'THUG'.

'putting' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thug that I've seen before include "Gangster" , "violent man" , "violent gang member" , "A vicious or brutal ruffian" , "Heavy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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