Crossword Genius

American editor jumps even when exhausted (4,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

used up

'exhausted' is the definition.
('use up' can be a synonym of 'exhaust')

'american editor jumps even' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'us' (abbreviation for United States).
'editor' becomes 'ed' (abbreviation).
'even' means one should take alternating letters (even-numbered letters are used).
The alternate letters of 'jumps' are 'up'.
'us'+'ed'+'up'='USED-UP'

'when' is the link.

(Other definitions for used up that I've seen before include "Spent" , "Exhausted the supply" , "Consumed, finished" , "Consumed completely" .)

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