What does the cryptic crossword clue "Rule, as stated, over Persians, Afghans, and others – come down hard on all (4,4,3,4)" mean?

The definition is "Rule,". The wordplay uses a homophone (sounds like). Homophone/pun/aural wordplay [ as stated ] of REIGN ("rule") over CATS AND DOGS ("Persians, Afghans' and others") The answer is RAINCATSANDDOGS.

Rule, as stated, over Persians, Afghans, and others – come down hard on all (4,4,3,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29627 | 5 Down | 2025-02-25 flower

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