What does the cryptic crossword clue "A tense Australian getting period inside only with difficulty (2,1,7)" mean?

The definition is "only with difficulty". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). A (from clue) + T (abbreviation="tense") + A (first_letter="Australian") + STRETCH (synonym="period") = ATASTRETCH; definition: "only with difficulty" The answer is ATASTRETCH.

A tense Australian getting period inside only with difficulty (2,1,7)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17291 | 2 Down | 2024-02-12 flower

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