Looking upset, finally accept reprimand (7)

I believe the answer is:

tearful

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'looking upset' is the definition.
(in tears)

'finally accept reprimand' is the wordplay.
'finally accept' becomes 't' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'reprimand' becomes 'earful' (earful is a kind of reprimand).
't'+'earful'='TEARFUL'

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(Other definitions for tearful that I've seen before include "emotional" , "Weepy" , "Lachrymose, blubbering" , "Visibly upset" , "Inclined to cry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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