Cryptic crossword clue
A retired Eton criminal set out in a new direction 12

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word REORIENTATED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "set out in a new direction" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case set out in a new direction = reorientated.
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 REORIENTATED mean?

REORIENTATED verb
  1. To orientate anew; to cause to face a different direction.

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