British argument defeats bullies (9)

I believe the answer is:

browbeats

'bullies' is the definition.
('browbeat' can be a synonym of 'bully')

'british argument defeats' is the wordplay.
'british' becomes 'b' (abbreviation e.g. in 'BBC').
'argument' becomes 'row' (to row is to argue).
'defeats' becomes 'beats' ('beat' can be a synonym of 'defeat').
'b'+'row'+'beats'='BROWBEATS'

(Another definition for browbeats that I've seen is " Bullies, hectors".)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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.