Crossword Genius

Exhausted state of female on drinking spree? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

frazzle

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

'exhausted state' is the definition.
'frazzle' can be an answer for 'state' (frazzle is a kind of state). I am not sure about the 'exhausted' bit.

'female on drinking spree?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'female' could be 'f' (common abbreviation) and 'f' is found within the answer.
'spree?' could be 'razzle' (I have seen 'Rowdy spree ' mean 'razzle' so perhaps 'spree' could also mean 'razzle') and 'razzle' is found within the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for frazzle that I've seen before include "Tire out (informal)" , "Fray or wear out" , "Tire to the point of exhaustion" , "Shred" , "Exhaust physically and/or emotionally" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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