Crossword Genius

Holds back remainder over the wet season (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

restrains

'holds back' is the definition.
('restrain' can be a synonym of 'hold back')

'remainder over the wet season' is the wordplay.
'remainder' becomes 'rest' (synonyms).
'over' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, some letters go over others).
'the wet season' becomes 'rains' (I've seen this in another clue).
'rest'+'rains'='RESTRAINS'

(Other definitions for restrains that I've seen before include "Sister ran (anag.)" , "Keeps back" , "Keeps under control or within limits" , "Keeps in check" .)

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