Crossword Genius

Bad actor promises to be appalling (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

atrocious

'be appalling' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'bad actor promises' is the wordplay.
'bad' indicates an anagram.
'promises' becomes 'ious' (IOU's, promises to pay a debt).
'actor' anagrammed gives 'atroc'.
'atroc'+'ious'='ATROCIOUS'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for atrocious that I've seen before include "Foolish" , "Appallingly bad" , "Extremely bad" , "Horrifyingly wicked" , "Appalling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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