Crossword Genius

Corrupt in very backway way (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

venal

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'corrupt' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'in very backway way' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'very' becomes 'v' (abbreviation).
'backway' becomes 'eal' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'way' becomes 'n' (Compass direction - North).
'v'+'eal'='veal'
'veal' placed around 'n' is 'VENAL'.

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(Other definitions for venal that I've seen before include "motivated by corruption" , "easily bribed" , "Susceptible to bribery" , "Corrupt, dishonest" , "can be bought cheaply" .)

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