Crossword Genius

Difficult former deputy (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exacting

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

'former deputy' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex'.
'deputy' becomes 'acting' (I've seen this before).
'ex'+'acting'='EXACTING'

(Other definitions for exacting that I've seen before include "Harsh" , "Insisting upon" , "Greatly demanding" , "Challenging" , "Testing endurance or skill" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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