Crossword Genius

What thespian finds tough to memorise brings bad luck (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hard lines

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

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

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hard lines that I've seen before include "Tough" , "Bad luck" , "Script full of tongue-twisters?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app