Crossword Genius

Sorely tried, get cross during a stupid date (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

taxed

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'sorely tried' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to consumption as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'cross during a stupid date' is the wordplay.
'cross' becomes 'x' (X is cross-shaped).
'during' indicates putting letters inside.
'a stupid' is an anagram indicator (in a stupid order).
'date' anagrammed gives 'taed'.
'x' placed inside 'taed' is 'TAXED'.

'get' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for taxed that I've seen before include "Made heavy demands on" , "Levied a duty on" , "Imposed duty on" , "Stretched" , "Heavily burdened" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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