Crossword Genius

Tell off Roger for having scoffed (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rate

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'tell' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'off roger for having scoffed' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'roger' could be 'r' (abbreviation used in radio communications) and 'r' is found in the answer.
'scoffed' could be 'ate' ('to scoff' is to eat) and 'ate' is located in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rate that I've seen before include "Tear up in tempo" , "See 16" , "Strongly criticise" , "Speed - scold" , "Judge" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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