Nesting cry when things are tight (10)

I believe the answer is:

stringency

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'things are tight' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'nesting cry' is the wordplay.
'nesting cry' anagrams to 'STRINGENCY'.
Though, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for stringency that I've seen is " Rigour".)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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