Crossword Genius

It's hard to be penniless (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stony

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'it's hard' is the first definition.
('stony' can be similar in meaning to 'hard')

'penniless' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)

'to be' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for stony that I've seen before include "Rocky" , "Heartless" , "made of marble?" , "penniless" , "Cold, unfeeling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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