Couldn't stand trial when action was taken about (8)
I believe the answer is:
detested
'couldn't stand' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'trial when action was taken about' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'trial' could be 'test' (synonyms) and 'test' is found within the answer.
'action' could be 'deed' (deed is a kind of action) and 'deed' is found in the leftover letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for detested that I've seen before include "Despised" , "Abhorred" , "Cordially loathed" , "not at all popular" , "Loathed over test deed" .)