Crossword Genius

Under emotional strain in past, perhaps (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tense

I believe this is a double definition.

'under emotional strain' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)

'past perhaps' is the second definition.
(grammar)

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for tense that I've seen before include "Taut, strained" , "Rigid; verb form" , "Verb form, indicates time" , "Verb form; uptight" , "Drawn" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Guardian.
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