Crossword Genius

Very arduous to acquire distance (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

yard

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

'distance' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'very arduous' is the wordplay.
'YARD' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

'to acquire' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for yard that I've seen before include "Measure of length" , "Police" , "Three feet - enclosed area" , "short distance" , "several feet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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