Crossword Genius

Spared some terrible devastation (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

saved

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

'spared' is the definition.
('save' can be a synonym of 'spare')

'some terrible devastation' is the wordplay.
'SAVED' is hidden backwards within the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for saved that I've seen before include "Redeemed or stored" , "Conserved" , "Preserved" , "Delivered" , "Rescued; put by" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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