Crossword Genius

Wretched lie-abeds let themselves down? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abseiled

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'wretched lie-abeds let themselves down?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'wretched lie-abeds' is the wordplay.
'wretched' indicates an anagram.
'lie'+'abeds'='lieabeds'
'lieabeds' with letters rearranged gives 'ABSEILED'.

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(Other definitions for abseiled that I've seen before include "Descended rock face" , "Daringly dropped" , "descended using rope" , "Lowered oneself with a rope from a mountain" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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