Crossword Genius

Hardliner returning stalwart lucidly defends (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ultra

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hardliner returning' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'stalwart lucidly defends' is the wordplay.
'ULTRA' is hidden backwards within the letters.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ultra that I've seen before include "Far beyond the norm" , "Above, beyond, super" , "Project started at Bletchley Park in 1939 to break the Enigma code" , "Over the top" , "Saharan dweller" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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