Prepared for angry middlemen (4)

I believe the answer is:

made

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'prepared' is the definition.
('make' can be a synonym of 'prepare')

'angry middlemen' is the wordplay.
'angry' becomes 'mad' (similar in meaning).
'middlemen' becomes 'e' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'mad'+'e'='MADE'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for made that I've seen before include "Built" , "Performed" , "Produced" , "brought about" , "Constructed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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