The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word BALD
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
B
A
L
D
More clues leading to the result BALD
- Initially burglars always like doors without locks
- Frank, off to protect learner
- . Revolving science room door initially is unlocked!
- Poor to welcome Liberal found wanting in Barnet?
- Exposed wound reported
- Howled out loud, having lost hair
- Simple student taken in by criminal
- Plain wicked pinching girl’s rear
- Naked and poor – that covers the start of life
- Rotten houses left unlocked?
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Exposed" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case exposed = bald.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 BALD mean?
BALD noun- A mountain summit or crest that lacks forest growth despite a warm climate conducive to such, as is found in many places in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
- To become bald.
- Having no hair, fur or feathers.
- (by extension) Denuded of any hair- or fur-like covering.
- Of tyres: whose surface is worn away.
- (of a statement or account) Unembellished.
- (of a statement) Without evidence or support being provided.