Crossword Genius

Continue to be harsh on saleswoman in recession (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

persevere

'continue' is the definition.
(persevering is a kind of continuing)

'harsh on saleswoman in recession' is the wordplay.
'harsh' becomes 'severe' (I've seen this before).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'saleswoman' becomes 'rep' (rep is a type of salesperson).
'in recession' is a reversal indicator.
'rep' reversed gives 'per'.
'severe' after 'per' is 'PERSEVERE'.

'to be' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for persevere that I've seen before include "hold on" , "Hang on in there" , "Battle on" , "Continue in adversity" , "Continue regardless" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.