Crossword Genius

Reportedly held back on the way to hell (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

damned

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'to hell' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'reportedly held back on the way' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' becomes 'dame' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'back' says to take the final letters.
'on' indicates putting letters inside (as in clothing 'on' a person).
'the way' becomes 'n' (Compass direction - North).
The last letter of 'held' is 'd'.
'dame'+'d'='damed'
'damed' going around 'n' is 'DAMNED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for damned that I've seen before include "Condemned to Hell" , "Cursed" , "Consigned to hell or perdition" , "Mad Ned was doomed" , "Those condemned to eternal punishment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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