Crossword Genius

Ridiculed being free indeed (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

derided

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

'ridiculed' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'free indeed' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'free' could be 'rid' (to be free of something is to be rid of it) and 'rid' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'deed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'being' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for derided that I've seen before include "Scorned" , "Mocked, laughed at" , "Treated or spoke of with contempt" , "Did rubbish" , "Made fun of" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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