Crossword Genius

Needled journo breaking bone (7,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stirred up

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

'needled' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'journo breaking bone' is the wordplay.
'journo' becomes 'ed' (I've seen this in other clues).
'breaking' is an insertion indicator.
'bone' becomes 'stirrup' (bone of the ear).
'ed' placed inside 'stirrup' is 'STIRRED UP'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for stirred up that I've seen is " Agitated".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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