25 across
Corrupt
state
maybe
does
if
cutting
back
(9)
Corrupt state maybe does if cutting back (9)
hints
0
checks
0
hints
The definition is at the beginning of the clue.
How the clue works
Corrupt is the definition, meaning to rot or putrefy. Take PUT for "state", then "does maybe" gives DEER, into which IF is inserted to make DEIFER, and the whole lot is turned around ("back") to give REFIED. Join them up and you get PUTREFIED.