Crossword Genius

Tot's initial reprimand for crying (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tearful

'crying' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'tot's initial reprimand' is the wordplay.
'initial' suggests taking the first letters.
'reprimand' becomes 'earful' (earful is a kind of reprimand).
The initial letter of 'tots' is 't'.
't'+'earful'='TEARFUL'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for tearful that I've seen before include "Lachrymose, blubbering" , "emotional" , "Inclined to cry" , "Visibly upset" , "visibly distressed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app