27 across
Very
hard
as
level
of
gratitude
abroad
reduced?
(9)
Very hard as level of gratitude abroad reduced? (9)
hints
0
checks
0
hints
The definition is at the beginning of the clue.
How the clue works
Right, so very hard is your definition there, pointing to merciless or unyielding. For the wordplay, "gratitude abroad" gives you MERCI, the French word for thanks, and then you just tack on LESS for "reduced" - stick those together and you're at MERCILESS.