Cryptic crossword clue
One will cut down oak, say, upset thanks to abuse 3-5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ILL-TREAT

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
I
L
L
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T
R
E
A
T


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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does ILL-TREAT mean?

ILL-TREAT verb
  1. To treat someone or something badly or unkindly; to abuse or mistreat

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