The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word RANKLED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
A
N
K
L
E
D
More clues leading to the result RANKLED
- Vexed, if ordered to throttle Labour leader
- Irritated, was first to go after row
- Offensive and motivated, caused continuing annoyance
- Annoyed when rating took the helm?
- Caused irritation, having acted as boss after row
- After row was first to become peeved
- Class ruled and caused resentment
- Embittered sergeant perhaps took charge
- Joint separation between Republicans and Democrats caused resentment
- Row left editor embittered
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Caused irritation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case caused irritation = rankled.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 RANKLED mean?
RANKLED verb- To cause irritation or deep bitterness.
- To fester.
- To cause irritation or deep bitterness.
- To fester.