Crossword Genius

Tear shed for exploitation (3-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rip off

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'exploitation' is the definition.
(I know that rip-off is a type of financial crime)

'tear shed' is the wordplay.
'tear' becomes 'rip' (synonyms).
'shed' becomes 'off' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'rip'+'off'='RIP-OFF'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rip off that I've seen before include "Highly overpriced item" , "Grossly overpriced item" , "Modern phrase for swindle or exploitation - that's torn it" , "Con trick" , "Tear away; overcharge (slang)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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