Crossword Genius

Bloody weak spies embracing nasty revolution... (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

anaemic

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

'bloody weak' is the definition.
'anaemic' can be an answer for 'weak' (similar in meaning). I'm not certain of the 'bloody' bit.

'spies embracing nasty revolution' is the wordplay.
'spies' becomes 'CIA' (Central Intelligence Agency).
'embracing' indicates putting letters inside.
'nasty' becomes 'mean' (similar in meaning).
'revolution' is a reversal indicator.
'cia' enclosing 'mean' is 'cimeana'.
'cimeana' written backwards gives 'ANAEMIC'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for anaemic that I've seen before include "Lacking vigour as in a cinema" , "Lacking in colour/vitality" , "Lacking red blood cells" , "Bloodless, sickly" , "Lacking colour or vitality" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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