Crossword Genius

Paid money to become exhausted (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spent

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue might be a double definition.

'paid money' is the first definition.
'spent' can be an answer for 'paid' (spending is a kind of paying). I'm not sure about the 'money' bit.

'exhausted' is the second definition.
(I know that exhausted can be written as spent)

'to become' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spent that I've seen before include "Completely exhausted" , "Exhausted, having paid money?" , "(Of resources) exhausted" , "Expended" , "Worn Out, exhausted" .)

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