Crossword Genius

Tipsy English chap screwed up, perhaps? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tightened

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'screwed up perhaps?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'tipsy english chap' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'tipsy' could be 'tight' (synonyms) and 'tight' is present in the answer.
'english' could be 'e' (abbreviation) and 'e' is found within the answer.
'chap' could be 'ned' and 'ned' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tightened that I've seen before include "Tensed" , "Made less relaxed" , "screwed up?" , "Became more tense" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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