Crossword Genius

Damage as coming up we sullied boxes (3-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ill-use

'damage' is the definition.
(both can mean mistreatment)

'coming up we sullied boxes' is the wordplay.
'coming up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'boxes' says the answer is hidden in the clue (to box can mean to contain).
'esulli' is hidden in the letters of 'we sullied'.
'esulli' written backwards gives 'ILL-USE'.

'as' is the link.

(Other definitions for ill-use that I've seen before include "Treat cruelly - abuse" , "Mistreatment" , "Maltreat, abuse" , "Maltreatment" , "Treat badly or cruelly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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