Crossword Genius

Criticised as a roof may be (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

slated

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'criticised' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a roof may be' is the wordplay.
'a roof' becomes 'slate' (slate roof is a kind of roof).
'may be' becomes 'd' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'slate'+'d'='SLATED'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for slated that I've seen before include "Berated with roofing materials?" , "Torn to pieces" , "Reprimanded - criticised" , "censured" , "Unfavourably reviewed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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