Crossword Genius

Used a certain machine for destroying weeds (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sewed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'used a certain machine' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'destroying weeds' is the wordplay.
'destroying' indicates anagramming the letters.
'weeds' with letters rearranged gives 'SEWED'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sewed that I've seen before include "Darned" , "Fastened with thread" , "Stitched" , "Used needle and thread" , "Joined" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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