Cryptic crossword clue
Applauding at first, children laugh when entertained by funny magician

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ACCLAIMING

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Applauding" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case applauding = acclaiming.
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 ACCLAIMING mean?

ACCLAIMING verb
  1. To shout; to call out.
  2. To express great approval (for).
  3. To salute or praise with great approval; to compliment; to applaud; to welcome enthusiastically.
  4. To claim.
  5. To declare by acclamations.
  6. To elect to an office by having no opposition.

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