In dread, perhaps, and simply exhausted (7)

I believe the answer is:

drained

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'simply exhausted' is the definition.
'drained' can be an answer for 'exhausted' (similar in meaning). I'm not sure about the 'simply' bit.

'in dread perhaps' is the wordplay.
'perhaps' indicates anagramming the letters.
'in'+'dread'='indread'
'indread' with letters rearranged gives 'DRAINED'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drained that I've seen before include "Emptied of liquid" , "empty" , "Exhausted" , "spent" , "Tired" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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