Crossword Genius

It's difficult to be hard and inflexible (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stiff

I believe this is a triple definition!

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

'to be hard' is the second definition.
(similar in meaning)

'and' is a link.

'inflexible' is the third definition.
(similar in meaning)

(Other definitions for stiff that I've seen before include "Starched, rigid" , "18 [HARD]" , "Unfriendly" , "Frigid" , "Difficult" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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