Crossword Genius

Hard to have nothing in a carefully guarded store (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hoard

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

'carefully guarded store' is the definition.
'hoard' can be an answer for 'store' (hoard is a kind of store). I am not certain of the 'carefully guarded' bit.

'hard to have nothing' is the wordplay.
'to have' indicates putting letters inside.
'nothing' becomes 'O' (looks like zero - 0).
'hard' placed around 'o' is 'HOARD'.

'in a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hoard that I've seen before include "Secret stash" , "Accumulated store" , "Store, usually hidden" , "Amass secretly" , "Hard kick" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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