The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ARTIFICE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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More clues leading to the result ARTIFICE
- React if I made a mess of trick
- Scheme by one engineer after attack artillery repulsed
- Trickery in case of diamonds found under craft
- A suit held up by Japanese staple, clever trick
- Take care — if it changes, it’s a trick
- Drawing, say, provided that cool scam
- Mostly heart, if I cease deviousness
- Card the man leaves if diamonds needed for some tricks?
- Tricky manoeuvre‘s skill whenever on skating rink, say
- Trick requiring skill if leading diamonds
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "clever trick" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case clever trick = artifice.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 ARTIFICE mean?
ARTIFICE noun- A crafty but underhanded deception.
- A trick played out as an ingenious, but artful, ruse.
- A strategic maneuver that uses some clever means to avoid detection or capture.
- A tactical move to gain advantage.
- Something made with technical skill; a contrivance.
- To construct by means of skill or specialised art