Crossword Genius

Roughly, heartless judge gives rollicking (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

carefree

'rollicking' is the definition.
(rollicking can mean lively or upbeat)

'roughly heartless judge' is the wordplay.
'roughly' becomes 'ca' (abbreviation for circa).
'heartless' suggests removing the centre.
'judge' becomes 'referee' (refereeing is a kind of judging).
'referee' with its middle taken out is 'refree'.
'ca'+'refree'='CAREFREE'

'gives' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for carefree that I've seen before include "Not worried" , "Without anxiety or responsibilities" , "Endures" , "irresponsible" , "Light-hearted, no worries" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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