Crossword Genius

A number of officious educators may be exploited (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

used

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

'be exploited' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'a number of officious educators' is the wordplay.
'USED' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for used that I've seen before include "Not fresh" , "Of clothes or cars, second-hand" , "Brought into play" , "Utilised" , "Sued (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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