Crossword Genius

Strict at all times in South-east (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

severe

'strict' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'at all times in south-east' is the wordplay.
'at all times' becomes 'ever' (synonyms).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'south east' becomes 'SE' (abbreviation).
'ever' inserted inside 'se' is 'SEVERE'.

(Other definitions for severe that I've seen before include "Unsparing and uncompromising" , "Harsh and exacting" , "Extremely difficult to endure" , "Harsh and punitive" , "Very plain in style or appearance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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