Crossword Genius

Hate the second last English exam (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

detest

'hate' is the definition.
(to detest is to hate or loathe)

'second last english exam' is the wordplay.
'last' says to take the final letters.
'english' becomes 'E' (abbreviation).
'exam' becomes 'test' (synonyms).
The last letter of 'second' is 'd'.
'd'+'e'+'test'='DETEST'

'the' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for detest that I've seen before include "Deplore" , "Abominate" , "Loathe, hate intensely" , "Dislike intensely, loathe" , "Find repulsive" .)

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