What does the cryptic crossword clue "Gave a protégé expensive diamonds to begin with (7)" mean?

The definition is "Gave". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). A (abbreviation="a") + WARD (synonym="protégé") + E (first_letter="expensive") + D (abbreviation="diamonds") = AWARDED; definition: "Gave" The answer is AWARDED.

Gave a protégé expensive diamonds to begin with (7)

Times Cryptic #28717 | 22 Across | 2023-09-25 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Times's puzzle site →