Tough approach to solve a clue like this (9)
I believe the answer is:
crackdown
'tough approach' is the definition.
(eg a crackdown on drugs)
'solve a clue like this' is the wordplay.
'solve' becomes 'crack' (I've seen this in another clue).
'a clue like this' becomes 'down' (down clue in a crossword).
'crack'+'down'='CRACKDOWN'
'to' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for crackdown that I've seen before include "severe action" , "Draconian measures" , "Repressive action" , "getting tough" , "Crushing measures" .)