Cryptic crossword clue
Acted with restraint in drama externally controlled by journalist 11

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word UNDERPLAYED

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

The straight part
We know that "Acted with restraint" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case acted with restraint = underplayed.
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 UNDERPLAYED mean?

UNDERPLAYED verb
  1. To play in a subordinate, or in an inferior manner; to underact a part.
  2. To make something seem less important than it really is.
  3. To play a low card when holding a high one, in the hope of a future advantage.

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