Crossword Genius

Fight and leather like a tough Greek (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spartan

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

'tough greek' is the definition.
'Spartan' can be an answer for 'greek' (Spartan is an example). I am not certain of the 'tough' bit.

'fight and leather' is the wordplay.
'fight' becomes 'spar' (sparring is a kind of fighting).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'leather' becomes 'tan' (tan can mean to convert into leather).
'spar'+'tan'='SPARTAN'

'like a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spartan that I've seen before include "Ascetic - ancient Greek" , "Austere - like Lysander?" , "Not comfortable" , "Basic" , "Old citizen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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