The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DOORNAIL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
O
O
R
N
A
I
L
More clues leading to the result DOORNAIL
- Boss on panel maybe, one proverbially late
- Lion Dora shot, according to one saying it’s dead
- Cross erected, love burying a stud, supposedly dead?
- 8 dead on radio broadcast before 50
- Old iron fashioned to embellish entrance to abode
- Proverbially lifeless type attached to a swinger
- Dancing on air, old stud
- One stuck in Orlando wandering about — it’s really dead!
- Cross over, Newton; trouble may be dead as they say
- A benchmark for lateness?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "one proverbially late" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one proverbially late = doornail.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 DOORNAIL mean?
DOORNAIL noun- A nail with a wide head, traditionally used in the construction and ornamentation of wooden doors.