Crossword Genius

Killed by flying nails? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

slain

'killed' is the definition.
(slaying is a kind of killing)

'flying nails?' is the wordplay.
'flying' indicates an anagram (letters fly around into new positions).
'nails' anagrammed gives 'SLAIN'.

'by' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for slain that I've seen before include "Slaughtered" , "Killed, murdered" , "Violently killed" , "Put to the sword" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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