Crossword Genius

Blue European commie brought down (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lowered

'brought down' is the definition.
('lower' can be a synonym of 'bring down')

'blue european commie' is the wordplay.
'blue' becomes 'low' (both can mean sad).
'european' becomes 'E' (abbreviation e.g. EU).
'commie' becomes 'red' (red is a kind of commie).
'low'+'e'+'red'='LOWERED'

(Other definitions for lowered that I've seen before include "Brought down" , "Let down gently" , "Threatened" , "Moved downwards" , "looked sullen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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