Crossword Genius

Worker embracing girl in Central American state (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

belize

'central american state' is the definition.
(country in Central America)

'worker embracing girl' is the wordplay.
'worker' becomes 'bee' (a worker bee).
'embracing' indicates putting letters inside.
'girl' becomes 'liz' (short for Elizabeth).
'bee' going around 'liz' is 'BELIZE'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for belize that I've seen before include "Caribbean country" , "Country formerly called British Honduras" , "Central American republic" , "Commonwealth state" , "Central American state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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