Crossword Genius

Runs are hard to come by (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rare

'hard to come by' is the definition.

'runs are' is the wordplay.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'r'+'are'='RARE'

(Other definitions for rare that I've seen before include "Unusual - exquisite" , "Bloody (of steaks)" , "like gold dust" , "Seldom seen or met" , "Rear up, being scarce" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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