Crossword Genius

Cut demand to keep variable stock (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hackneyed

'stock' is the definition.
(both can mean cliche)

'cut demand to keep variable' is the wordplay.
'cut' becomes 'hack' (hacking is a kind of cutting).
'demand' becomes 'need' (synonyms).
'to keep' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'variable' becomes 'y' (algebra).
'need' placed around 'y' is 'neyed'.
'hack'+'neyed'='HACKNEYED'

(Other definitions for hackneyed that I've seen before include "pedestrian" , "Stereotyped" , "using familiar phraseology?" , "Overworked" , "Trite, stale" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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.