Miserable and penitent (2,1,5,5)
I believe the answer is:
in a sorry state
'miserable' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.
'penitent' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'penitent' could be 'sorry' (similar in meaning) and 'sorry' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'inastate' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
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