Crossword Genius

Imposing spell of tyranny after cutbacks (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lofty

'imposing' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'spell of tyranny after cutbacks' is the wordplay.
'after cutbacks' indicates a hidden word.
'LOFTY' is hidden within 'spell of tyranny'.

(Other definitions for lofty that I've seen before include "Noble; aloof" , "Very high" , "Soaring" , "Tall, arrogant" , "Noble, elevated" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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