The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word NEEDLED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
N
E
E
D
L
E
D
More clues leading to the result NEEDLED
- Irritated, being required to cross lake
- Junkie's equipment on end of road was irritating
- Like a Christmas tree cross
- . Want journalist to catch Labour leader being heckled
- Irritated – wanted to catch learner driver
- Want to be given guidance when provoked
- Wound up like a compass?
- Having been riled, got one’s point across
- Wanted to cross line, annoyed
- Wanted to pinch student, annoyed
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Like a Christmas tree/cross" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case like a christmas tree/cross = needled.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 NEEDLED mean?
NEEDLED verb- To pierce with a needle, especially for sewing or acupuncture.
- To tease in order to provoke; to poke fun at.
- To form, or be formed, in the shape of a needle.
- Covered or armored with needles.