Crossword Genius

Way to put down or flatter animal, maybe (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

roadkill

'flatter animal maybe' is the definition.
(animal flattened by a vehicle)

'way to put down' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'road' (road is a kind of way).
'to put down' becomes 'kill' (put down can mean to kill).
'road'+'kill'='ROADKILL'

'or' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for roadkill that I've seen before include "A passing motoring phenomenon" , "Creatures squashed on the motorway?" , "Animal slain by cars" , "Animals slain by vehicles" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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