Crossword Genius

This setter's over the hill — a serious difficulty (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impasse

'a serious difficulty' is the definition.
(an impasse is a difficulty or stoppage)

'this setter's over the hill' is the wordplay.
'this setter's' becomes 'Im' (I am - referring to the crossword setter).
'over the hill' becomes 'passe' (I've seen this in another clue).
'im'+'passe'='IMPASSE'

(Other definitions for impasse that I've seen before include "Stand-off, stalemate" , "nothing can be done" , "Situation in which progress is impossible" , "Deadlock or stand-off" , "No progress is possible in this type of situation" .)

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.