The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CHERISH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
H
E
R
I
S
H
More clues leading to the result CHERISH
- To some extent, teacher is hard to hold dear
- A bit like a pop singer, love?
- Treasure, like US singer?
- US singer is hard to value
- Care for Dicky: he’s rich
- He’s rich so might provide prize
- A bit like singer’s prize
- Dubious heirs to Switzerland’s treasure
- Chapter on problem shire exposes treasure
- Nurse, that woman one’s seen in church
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "hold dear" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hold dear = cherish.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 CHERISH mean?
CHERISH verb- To treat with affection, care, and tenderness; to nurture or protect with care.
- To have a deep appreciation of; to hold dear.
- To cheer, to gladden.