Crossword Genius

Dug up on the motorway, man (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mined

'dug up' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'on the motorway man' is the wordplay.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the motorway' becomes 'MI' (resembles Mn, English motorway).
'man' becomes 'ned' (man's name).
'mi' put next to 'ned' is 'MINED'.

(Other definitions for mined that I've seen before include "Sought diamonds?" , "Excavated as for coal or diamonds" , "proceeded secretly" , "Dug from pit" , "Placed charges" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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