Crossword Genius

Even bloodshed can be defeated (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lose

'be defeated' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'even bloodshed' is the wordplay.
'even' indicates alternate letters (letters in even-numbered positions are used).
The alternating letters of 'bloodshed' are 'LOSE'.

'can' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for lose that I've seen before include "Fail to keep" , "Mislay or be defeated" , "Shake off (a pursuer)" , "Suffer a defeat" , "Don't win" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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