Crossword Genius

Catlike cry he’s given out: a wake-up call? (7,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reality check

'a wake-up call?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'catlike cry he's given out' is the wordplay.
'given' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'out' is an anagram indicator (out can mean wrong or inaccurate).
'cry'+'he'='cryhe'
'catlike' after 'cryhe' is 'cryhecatlike'.
'cryhecatlike' with letters rearranged gives 'REALITY CHECK'.

(Other definitions for reality check that I've seen before include "Moment to consider things in an honest manner" , "In which one is reminded of things as they are" , "Reminder of the true state of affairs" , "Sobering fact" , "Reminder of true conditions" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.