Cryptic crossword clue
Gave notice about guard coming up short 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word AWARDED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
W
A
R
D
E
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Gave" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case gave = awarded.
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 AWARDED mean?

AWARDED verb
  1. To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge
  2. To determine; to make or grant an award.
  3. To give (an award).
  4. To give (a person) an award.

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