Harsh way I caught Rex inside (6)

I believe the answer is:

strict

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'harsh way i caught rex inside' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'harsh way i caught rex inside' is the wordplay.
'harsh way' becomes 'st' (I am not sure about the 'harsh' bit.**).
'caught' becomes 'ct'.
'rex' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation e.g. GR=George Rex, King Georg).
'inside' is an insertion indicator.
'st'+'i'+'ct'='stict'
'stict' going around 'r' is 'STRICT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for strict that I've seen before include "Rigid or stern" , "Rigidly accurate" , "Stringent" , "Exacting, unsparing" , "No-nonsense" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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