What does the cryptic crossword clue "Severe line mostly taken by bloke (9)" mean?

The definition is "bloke". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). STRIN (synonym="STRIN") + GENT (synonym="=bloke") = STRINGENT; definition: "Severe" The answer is STRINGENT.

Severe line mostly taken by bloke (9)

Independent Cryptic #12080 | 8 Down | 2025-06-27 flower

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