The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word RATTLED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
A
T
T
L
E
D
More clues leading to the result RATTLED
- Clement largely in December, after vacation turning unsettled
- Disconcerted old PM briefly visiting outskirts of Richmond
- Vermin was in the van behind back of defendant, upset
- Conductor having died caused upset
- Conductor wants date put off
- Sinuous tart took the initiative, getting one flustered
- Disconcerted PM once stopped short in road
- Conductor on top of double-decker, flustered
- Agitated conductor leading band’s climax
- Upset and mostly irritable following a guide
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "caused upset" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case caused upset = rattled.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 RATTLED mean?
RATTLED verb- To create a rattling sound by shaking or striking.
- To scare, startle, unsettle, or unnerve.
- To make a rattling noise; to make noise by or from shaking.
- To assail, annoy, or stun with a ratting noise.
- To scold; to rail at.
- To drive or ride briskly, so as to make a clattering.
- To make a clatter with one's voice; to talk rapidly and idly; often with on or away.