Crossword Genius

Cried like a kid, ill, having to swallow a tablet (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

baaed

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

'cried like a kid' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'ill having to swallow a tablet' is the wordplay.
'ill' becomes 'bad' (similar in meaning).
'having to swallow' indicates putting letters inside.
'tablet' becomes 'e' (E can mean ecstasy or an ecstasy tablet).
'a'+'e'='ae'
'bad' placed around 'ae' is 'BAAED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app