Crossword Genius

Scratches through refuse and mess inside (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scrapes

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

'scratches' is the definition.
(I know this)

'refuse and mess inside' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'refuse' could be 'rape' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'rape' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'through' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scrapes that I've seen before include "Jars" , "Predicaments" .)

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