Crossword Genius

Given protection, being cautious (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

guarded

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

'cautious' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'given protection being' is the wordplay.
'given' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'protection' becomes 'guard' (I've seen this before).
'being' becomes 'ed' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'guard' put next to 'ed' is 'GUARDED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for guarded that I've seen before include "Protected from a drudge" , "Cautious, having reservations" , "Cautious - or protected" , "with escort" , "Very reluctant to give out information" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent and The Globe and Mail.
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