Crossword Genius

Desperate first impression takes some beating (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drubbing

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'some beating' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for drubbing that I've seen before include "Heavy defeat" , "Cudgelling; a thorough defeat" , "Beating" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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