Company minutes outspoken protest (8)

I believe the answer is:

complain

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

'protest' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'company minutes outspoken' is the wordplay.
'company' becomes 'co' (abbreviation).
'minutes' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'outspoken' becomes 'plain' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'co'+'m'+'plain'='COMPLAIN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for complain that I've seen before include "Lament" , "Express discontent" , "Remonstrate" , "Find fault" , "Grumble, moan" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app