Crossword Genius

All others fall: hold back!

Ross

I believe the answer is:

re-strain

'hold back' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'all others fall' is the wordplay.
'all others' becomes 'rest' (as in the rest of a group).
'fall' becomes 'rain' (raining is a kind of falling).
'rest'+'rain'='RE-STRAIN'

(Other definitions for re-strain that I've seen before include "Tether" , "Prevent from doing something" , "Hold back, suppress" , "Arrest - confine - subdue" , "Keep under control in terrains" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.