Grate expectations? (5)
I believe the answer is:
ashes
'grate expectations?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for ashes that I've seen before include "sports contest" , "Cinders - which were once kept in the 3 20 at 18" , "Remains of the Yule logs?" , "''... to ..., dust to dust'' (burial service)" , "trees" .)