In one version, a firm refusal (5)
I believe the answer is:
never
'firm refusal' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adverbs. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'in one version a' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'NEVER' is hidden in the letters of 'one version a'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for never that I've seen before include "Under no circumstances" , "Surely not" , "No way" , "Certainly not!" , "Not in a million years!" .)