Crossword Genius

Lack of bravery in firm conflict over game of chance (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cowardice

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'lack of bravery' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'firm conflict over game of chance' is the wordplay.
'firm' becomes 'co' (a firm is a company).
'conflict' becomes 'war' (war is a kind of conflict).
'over game of chance' becomes 'dice' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'co'+'war'+'dice'='COWARDICE'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cowardice that I've seen before include "Spineless character" , "court-martial offence" , "Lack of bravery" , "Severe lack of courage" , "Quality of chicken" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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