It's tough being deceived outright (4)

I believe the answer is:

hard

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'it's tough' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for hard that I've seen before include "Solid; difficult" , "Difficult - firm" , "Firm; demanding; stern" , "Tough - difficult" , "Novel featuring Mr Gradgrind" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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