Crossword Genius

Not punished for ruining the drapes (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spared

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'not punished' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'ruining the drapes' is the wordplay.
'ruining' indicates anagramming the letters.
'drapes' anagrammed gives 'SPARED'.

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spared that I've seen before include "Treated mercifully" , "Refrained from hurting, was merciful towards" , "Showed mercy, refrained from hurting" , "Let off by padres" , "Avoided incurring" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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