Crossword Genius

Car with its hood blown off, say (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

state

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'say' is the definition.
(I know that say can be written as state)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for state that I've seen before include "Condition of country." , "Say; country" , "Speak" , "Declare: condition" , "E.g. Georgia" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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