Arch covering stand that's quite tough (6)
I believe the answer is:
steely
'quite tough' is the definition.
'steely' can be an answer for 'tough' (I've seen this in another clue). I am unsure of the 'quite' bit.
'arch covering stand' is the wordplay.
'arch' becomes 'sly' (both can mean clever or sneaky).
'covering' is an insertion indicator.
'stand' becomes 'tee' (I've seen this in other clues).
'sly' enclosing 'tee' is 'STEELY'.
'that's' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for steely that I've seen before include "Set off" , "Strong" , "firm" , "Ruthless" , "Obdurate" .)