The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word REPORTED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Made a complaint about" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case made a complaint about = reported.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 REPORTED mean?
REPORTED verb- To relate details of (an event or incident); to recount, describe (something).
- To repeat (something one has heard), to retell; to pass on, convey (a message, information etc.).
- To take oneself (to someone or something) for guidance or support; to appeal.
- To notify someone of (particular intelligence, suspicions, illegality, misconduct etc.); to make notification to relevant authorities; to submit a formal report of.
- To make a formal statement, especially of complaint, about (someone).
- To show up or appear at an appointed time; to present oneself.
- To write news reports (for); to cover as a journalist or reporter.
- To be accountable to or subordinate to (someone) in a hierarchy; to receive orders from (someone); to give official updates to (someone who is above oneself in a hierarchy).
- To return or present as the result of an examination or consideration of any matter officially referred.
- To take minutes of (a speech, the doings of a public body, etc.); to write down from the lips of a speaker.
- To refer.
- To return or repeat, as sound; to echo.