Crossword Genius

Told off sleeping judge? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

berated

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

'told off sleeping judge?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'told off' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'told off' could be 'rated' (rate can mean to scold harshly) and 'rated' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'be' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for berated that I've seen before include "Scolded" , "Dressed down" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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