Crossword Genius

Quarrels difficult to deal with, leader being put down (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tiffs

'quarrels' is the definition.
(tiff is a kind of quarrel)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for tiffs that I've seen before include "Spats" , "Small quarrels" , "Arguments" , "Petty quarrels" , "Huffs; squabbles" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app