Cryptic crossword clue
After catching rat unexpectedly, uncle got a pat on the back 12

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

C
O
N
G
R
A
T
U
L
A
T
E

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "pat on the back" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pat on the back = congratulate.
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 CONGRATULATE mean?

CONGRATULATE verb
  1. To express one’s sympathetic pleasure or joy to the person(s) it is felt for.
  2. To consider oneself fortunate in some matter.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations