Crossword Genius

Unpleasant European gave orders (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bade

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

'gave orders' 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 can't see?

'unpleasant european' is the wordplay.
'unpleasant' becomes 'bad'.
'european' becomes 'E' (abbreviation e.g. EU).
'bad'+'e'='BADE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bade that I've seen before include "Invited" , "Commanded with bead" , "Ordered" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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