Crossword Genius

Beat it, flipping Commie (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tired

'beat' is the definition.
('tired' can be similar in meaning to 'beat')

'it flipping commie' is the wordplay.
'flipping' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'commie' becomes 'red' (red is a kind of commie).
'it' in reverse letter order is 'ti'.
'ti'+'red'='TIRED'

(Other definitions for tired that I've seen before include "In need of rest" , "Dressed once" , "Weary, fatigued" , "Ready to drop" , "knackered" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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