The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word NORMALLY
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
N
O
R
M
A
L
L
Y
More clues leading to the result NORMALLY
- No male friend accepts resistance, as a rule
- Number right to be taken by Frenchman with friend in the usual fashion
- As a rule, small number at motoring event Mike enters
- As a rule, even choice of enemy has friend’s support
- Standard supporter most of the time
- Wisdom, maybe, shown by friend in standard fashion
- Mean, partner? As a rule
- Man casually meeting friend as a rule
- No marines join forces, by and large
- For the most part, rule supports partner
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "As a rule" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case as a rule = normally.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 NORMALLY mean?
NORMALLY adverb- Under normal conditions or circumstances; usually; most of the time
- In the expected or customary manner.
- To a usual or customary extent or degree.
- In the manner of a variable with a Gaussian distribution.