Crossword Genius

1000 with one object - to cripple (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maim

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'to cripple' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'1000 with one object' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'1000' could be 'm' (Roman numeral) and 'm' is present in the answer.
'one' could be 'i' (Roman numeral) and 'i' is located in the answer.
'object' could be 'am' (Am is an example) and 'am' is present in the leftover letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for maim that I've seen before include "Injure causing permanent damage" , "seriously hurt!" , "Injure or harm severely" , "Wound so that part of body is permanently damaged" , "Wound or injure, disable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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