Crossword Genius

Both arduous and difficult inside (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hard

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'difficult inside' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'both arduous' is the wordplay.
'HARD' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hard that I've seen before include "Firm; demanding; stern" , "Complicated" , "Difficult - firm" , "Firm, rigid, road leading to foreshore" , "Difficult; severe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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