The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ACROBATIC
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
C
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O
B
A
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I
C
More clues leading to the result ACROBATIC
- Killer whale lying back by sea, not large, certainly agile
- A European retaining bachelor in charge of gymnastic feats
- Run out cricketer, one in a cricket club? Very agile
- A reptile about to strike – I must be agile
- A bachelor blocking Balkan in charge of a circus performer?
- One who usually has balance, no doubt
- Agile graduate absorbed by word puzzle, not small
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "of a circus performer" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case of a circus performer = acrobatic.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ACROBATIC mean?
ACROBATIC adjective- Of or pertaining to an acrobat.
- Vigorously active