Cryptic crossword clue
Behind bars after arrest, ultimately 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TRAILING

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
T
R
A
I
L
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Behind" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case behind = trailing.
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 TRAILING mean?

TRAILING verb
  1. To follow behind (someone or something); to tail (someone or something).
  2. To drag (something) behind on the ground.
  3. To leave (a trail of).
  4. To show a trailer of (a film, TV show etc.); to release or publish a preview of (a report etc.) in advance of the full publication.
  5. To hang or drag loosely behind; to move with a slow sweeping motion.
  6. To run or climb like certain plants.
  7. To drag oneself lazily or reluctantly along.
  8. To be losing, to be behind in a competition.
  9. To carry (a firearm) with the breech near the ground and the upper part inclined forward, the piece being held by the right hand near the middle.
  10. To flatten (grass, etc.) by walking through it; to tread down.
  11. To take advantage of the ignorance of; to impose upon.
TRAILING noun
  1. Fabric or other material that trails.
TRAILING adjective
  1. (of points and crossovers) That converges in the direction of travel.
  2. That which is attached and pulled behind.

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