Crossword Genius

Cried after snakes exposed to blast (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

windswept

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'exposed to blast' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'cried after snakes' is the wordplay.
'cried' becomes 'wept' ('weep' can be a synonym of 'cry').
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'snakes' becomes 'winds'.
'wept' put after 'winds' is 'WINDSWEPT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for windswept that I've seen before include "Exposed to gales" , "Affected by moving air" , "Bedraggled" , "beaten by the weather" , "having dishevelled look" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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