The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word BERATES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
E
R
A
T
E
S
More clues leading to the result BERATES
- Upbraids informer among queen's workers?
- Carpets are best beaten
- Unpleasant type among workers, perhaps, is a scold
- Censures stand shown by judges
- Remember a test employing slates?
- Chides those creating a buzz around traitor
- Deserter, beset by insects, curses
- Sneak into workers’ lectures
- Jumps all over bees swarming rat
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Upbraids" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case upbraids = berates.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 BERATES mean?
BERATES verb- To chide or scold vehemently