The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word BLACKMAILING
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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 BLACKMAILING mean?
BLACKMAILING verb- To extort money or favors from (a person) by exciting fears of injury other than bodily harm, such as injury to reputation, distress of mind, false accusation, etc.
- (Kenya) To speak ill of someone; to defame someone.
- The act of one who blackmails.