The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word HOTTER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
H
O
T
T
E
R
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "less cold maybe" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case less cold maybe = hotter.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HOTTER mean?
HOTTER adjective- (of an object) Having a high temperature.
- (of the weather) Causing the air to be hot.
- (of a person or animal) Feeling the sensation of heat, especially to the point of discomfort.
- (of a temper) Easily provoked to anger.
- Feverish.
- (of food) Spicy.
- Very good, remarkable, exciting.
- Stolen.
- Electrically charged.
- Radioactive.
- (of a person) Very physically and/or sexually attractive.
- Sexual or sexy; involving sexual intercourse or sexual excitement.
- Sexually aroused; randy.
- (with for) Attracted to.
- Popular; in demand.
- Of great current interest; provoking current debate or controversy.
- Very close to finding or guessing something to be found or guessed.
- Performing strongly; having repeated successes.
- Fresh; just released.
- Uncomfortable, difficult to deal with; awkward, dangerous, unpleasant.
- Used to emphasize the short duration or small quantity of something
- Characterized by police presence or activity.
- (of a draft/check) Not covered by funds on account.
- One who steals a vehicle in order to joyride.
- To vibrate; to rattle.