Crossword Genius

Slags off advanced coaches (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abuses

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'slags' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'advanced coaches' is the wordplay.
'advanced' becomes 'a' (abbreviation).
'coaches' becomes 'buses' ('bus' can be a synonym of 'coach').
'a'+'buses'='ABUSES'

'off' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abuses that I've seen before include "Reviles and insults" , "Treats cruelly" , "Employs or deals with incorrectly" , "Reviles or takes undue advantage." , "Maltreats people or things" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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