Crossword Genius

Filthy carpet may eventually appear excellent (4,4,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

take some beating

'appear excellent' is the definition.
(something very good will take some beating)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for take some beating that I've seen before include "Suffer in the ring" , "Be difficult to surpass" , "very difficult to get the better of?" , "favourite to win?" , "as Axminster may?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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