Crossword Genius

Successful record beaten after defeat (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

smash hit

'successful record' is the definition.

'beaten after defeat' is the wordplay.
'beaten' becomes 'hit'.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'defeat' becomes 'smash' (I've seen this before**).
'hit' put after 'smash' is 'SMASH-HIT'.

(Other definitions for smash hit that I've seen before include "great entertainment" , "roaring success" , "most popular show!" , "number one" , "Great success" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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