Crossword Genius

Tough, gutless, steals pounds (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

throbs

'pounds' is the definition.
(throb can mean to pound or beat)

'tough gutless steals' is the wordplay.
'gutless' suggests removing the centre.
'steals' becomes 'robs' (robbing is a kind of stealing).
'tough' with its centre taken out is 'th'.
'th'+'robs'='THROBS'

(Other definitions for throbs that I've seen before include "Pulsates like heart" , "Pounds" , "Beats like the heart" , "Pulsates, with pain perhaps" , "Beats as a pulse" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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.