Crossword Genius

Coercion to get you in gear (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

duress

'coercion' is the definition.
(under duress means being coerced)

'you in gear' is the wordplay.
'you' becomes 'u' (commonly used in online communication).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'gear' becomes 'dress' (both can mean clothing).
'u' put inside 'dress' is 'DURESS'.

'to get' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for duress that I've seen before include "Illegal coercion" , "Compulsion by use of force" , "Pressure applied by druses" , "Restraint" , "Hardship" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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