The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 plus 4 letter word FREE FALL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
R
E
E
F
A
L
L
More clues leading to the result FREE FALL
- Bank wholly behind start of financial decline that’s unstoppable
- Rapid drop in folio, bank finished with completely
- Descent in public brawl knocking out soldiers
- A quick drop for one waiting for opening time
- The effect of a drop in gravity?
- No charge for trip that brings you straight down to earth
- A quick drop before opening time?
- Rapid decline due to brawl after losing gold
- Public brawl with soldiers knocked out showing a rapid descent?
- Let go everybody going over fellow's descent
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "A quick drop" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a quick drop = free fall.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 FREE FALL mean?
FREE FALL noun- The state of being in a motion affected by no acceleration (force) other than that provided by gravity.
- (common usage) The state of falling with no interference from outside forces other than the air resistance (no open parachute, etc.)
- (by extension) The state of worsening out of control.
- To drop in a state of freefall.