Crossword Genius

Take exception to rugged changes (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grudge

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'take exception' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'rugged changes' is the wordplay.
'changes' indicates anagramming the letters.
'rugged' anagrammed gives 'GRUDGE'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grudge that I've seen before include "Feeling of enmity or envy" , "Hard feelings" , "Active resentment" , "Persistent feeling of resentment" , "Resentment, rancour" .)

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