Crossword Genius

Toughened by rain? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

weathered

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

'toughened' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'rain?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'rain?' could be 'weather' (rain is a kind of weather) and 'weather' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for weathered that I've seen before include "Worn by wind and rain" , "Strengthened by being exposed to the elements" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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