The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ABSTAINS
A
B
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More clues leading to the result ABSTAINS
- Sailor given marks — keeps off the rum?
- Sailor overcomes slurs — eschews alcoholic drink
- Doesn’t drink with sailor, as isn’t at sea
- Marks next to ‘blood group’, ‘doesn’t drink‘
- At first, Australia bats terribly — batting second, resists
- Sailor with spots stays dry
- Graduate’s upset with marks, refuses a drink
- Crew member smears forbears
- Avoids sailor with stigmas
- Sailor soils and takes a rain check
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "resists" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case resists = abstains.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 ABSTAINS mean?
ABSTAINS verb- Keep or withhold oneself.
- Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.
- Fast (not eat for a period).
- Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
- Hinder; keep back; withhold.