Took exception to mad monster being scolded (12)
I believe the answer is:
remonstrated
'took exception' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
'mad monster being scolded' is the wordplay.
'mad' indicates an anagram.
'being scolded' becomes 'rated' (rate can mean to scold harshly).
'monster' with letters rearranged gives 'remonst'.
'remonst'+'rated'='REMONSTRATED'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for remonstrated that I've seen before include "Told off" , "Protested" .)