What does the cryptic crossword clue "Conservative grip in decline? (11)" mean?

The definition is "decline?". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). CON (synonym="CON") + TRACTION (synonym="TRACTION") = CONTRACTION; definition: "decline?" The answer is CONTRACTION.

Conservative grip in decline? (11)

Guardian Cryptic #28993 | 11 Across | 2023-02-14 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →