The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word IMPENDING
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result IMPENDING
- About to happen as mischievous child gets close
- Little devil’s downfall is in the offing
- Threatened one legislator with abolition
- Rascal finishing in store
- This person’s quiet death about to happen
- Checking about end of aileron in the air
- Death of a little devil is nigh!
- Threatening mischievous lad with termination
- Troublemaker finishing, coming any minute?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "About to happen" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case about to happen = impending.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 IMPENDING mean?
IMPENDING verb- To hang or be suspended over (something); to overhang.
- Figuratively to hang over (someone) as a threat or danger.
- To threaten to happen; to be about to happen, to be imminent.
- To pay.
- Something that impends or threatens; an expected event.
- Approaching; drawing near; about to happen or expected to happen.