Exploits us two ways (4)

I believe the answer is:

uses

'exploits' is the definition.
(use is a kind of exploit)

'us two ways' is the wordplay.
'two ways' means two substitutions for 'way'.
'way' becomes 'e' (Compass direction - East).
'way' becomes 's' (Compass direction - South).
'us'+'e'+'s'='USES'

(Other definitions for uses that I've seen before include "deployments" , "Exercises" , "Puts into service" , "Operates" , "Employs" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app