Cryptic crossword clue
Was anxious about punching bounder 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word CARED

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
A
R
E
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Was anxious" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case was anxious = cared.
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 CARED mean?

CARED verb
  1. To be concerned (about), to have an interest (in); to feel concern (about).
  2. (polite) To want, to desire; to like; to be inclined towards.
  3. (with for) To look after or look out for.
  4. To mind; to object.

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