Crossword Genius

Difficult agent holds back drink (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stroppy

'difficult' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'agent holds back drink' is the wordplay.
'agent' becomes 'spy' (spy is a kind of agent).
'holds' indicates putting letters inside.
'back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'drink' becomes 'port' (port is a kind of drink).
'port' written backwards gives 'trop'.
'spy' placed around 'trop' is 'STROPPY'.

(Other definitions for stroppy that I've seen before include "Awkward to handle" , "Unhelpful" , "Ill-tempered" , "Obstreperous" , "like a razor-sharpener?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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