Cryptic crossword clue
Basic failure to meet storytelling quota? 10

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
U
N
D
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R
L
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Basic" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case basic = underlying.
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 UNDERLYING mean?

UNDERLYING verb
  1. To lie in a position directly beneath.
  2. To lie under or beneath.
  3. To serve as a basis of; form the foundation of.
  4. To be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.
  5. To underlay.
UNDERLYING noun
  1. The entity from whose performance a derivative derives its value.
UNDERLYING adjective
  1. Lying underneath
  2. Basic or fundamental
  3. Implicit

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