The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word UPHILL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
U
P
H
I
L
L
More clues leading to the result UPHILL
- Inclined to be difficult?
- Inclined to dress boy in uniform, large
- Attending university hospital, unwell – struggle being this?
- . . . . getting hot and sick on high ascent
- Leading 17 across requiring much effort
- Demanding university hospital admit prince in poor health
- University philosophy student inclined to be hard going
- Hospital cutting top-class medication that’s on the rise
- University hospital stocking medicine getting one high
- Difficult to increase pile
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "requiring much effort" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case requiring much effort = uphill.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 UPHILL mean?
UPHILL noun- An uphill route.
- Located up a slope or on a hill.
- Going up a slope or a hill.
- (by extension) Difficult or laborious.
- Up a slope, towards higher ground.
- (by extension) With difficulty.