Crossword Genius

Annoyed by a haughty clique (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

upset

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'annoyed' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'by a haughty clique' is the wordplay.
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'a haughty' becomes 'up' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'clique' becomes 'set' (I've seen this before).
'up' put next to 'set' is 'UPSET'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for upset that I've seen before include "Disturb or distress" , "Distraught" , "Put out" , "Trouble" , "Discountenanced" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app