The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word IRRITATING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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More clues leading to the result IRRITATING
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Bringing up to scratch, perhaps/that’s annoying" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bringing up to scratch, perhaps/that’s annoying = irritating.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 IRRITATING mean?
IRRITATING verb- To provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in.
- To cause or induce displeasure or irritation.
- To induce pain in (all or part of a body or organism).
- To render null and void.
- Causing irritation, annoyance or pain.
- Stimulating or exciting a response.