About to cry after having no tea and getting severe reprimand (6)

I believe the answer is:

earful

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

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for earful that I've seen before include "A telling-off" , "Prolonged reprimand (colloq.)" , "Severe reprimand" , "Rocket" , "load of wax, possibly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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