Crossword Genius

Worked hard, stone split (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

striven

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

'worked hard' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'stone split' is the wordplay.
'stone' becomes 'st' (abbreviation).
'split' becomes 'riven' (I've seen this in another clue).
'st'+'riven'='STRIVEN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for striven that I've seen before include "Endeavoured" , "(Has) made great efforts" , "Fought" , "Battled" , "sought" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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