Crossword Genius

Giving water and shade to, was merciful with (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spared

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

'was merciful with' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'giving water and shade' is the wordplay.
'giving water' becomes 'spa' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'giving' bit.).
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'shade' becomes 'red'.
'spa'+'red'='SPARED'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spared that I've seen before include "Showed mercy, refrained from hurting" , "Dealt leniently with" , "did without" , "Voluntarily parted with" , "Avoided incurring" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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