The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PUNISHING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "hard" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hard = punishing.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 PUNISHING mean?
PUNISHING verb- To cause to suffer for crime or misconduct, to administer disciplinary action.
- To treat harshly and unfairly.
- To handle or beat severely; to maul.
- To consume a large quantity of.
- Punishment.
- That punishes physically and/or mentally; arduous, gruelling, demanding.
- Debilitating, harsh.