Blast dropping high explosive (6)

I believe the answer is:

scathe

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'blast' is the definition.
(both can mean to criticise someone)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for scathe that I've seen before include "Carpet" , "Harm, injure" , "To scorn" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.

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