Crossword Genius

Strike, subject to restraint, likely to collapse (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ramshackle

'likely to collapse' is the definition.

'strike subject to restraint' is the wordplay.
'strike' becomes 'ram' (I've seen this before).
'subject to restraint' becomes 'shackle' (to shackle someone is to restrain them).
'ram'+'shackle'='RAMSHACKLE'

(Other definitions for ramshackle that I've seen before include "Decrepit" , "falling to pieces" , "Badly-organised" , "Rickety - derelict" , "Broken-down" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.