Crossword Genius

Pressure unduly apparent — a mark of democracy? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

overtax

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

'pressure unduly apparent a mark of democracy?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'apparent a mark of democracy?' is the wordplay.
'apparent' becomes 'overt' (I've seen this before).
'a mark of democracy?' becomes 'ax' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'overt'+'ax'='OVERTAX'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for overtax that I've seen before include "Press too hard" , "Put too much pressure on, like Revenue Commissioners" , "Put too great a strain on, as Revenue Commissioners do" , "Impose too much strain on" , "Place too great a burden on, as Revenue officials do" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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