Crossword Genius

Held firm to do conversion during quarrel (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stood pat

'held firm' is the definition.
('stand pat' can be a synonym of 'hold firm')

'to do conversion during quarrel' is the wordplay.
'conversion' indicates an anagram.
'during' indicates putting letters inside.
'quarrel' becomes 'spat' (spatting is a kind of quarrelling).
'to'+'do'='todo'
'todo' with letters rearranged gives 'tood'.
'tood' inserted into 'spat' is 'STOOD PAT'.

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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