The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word SPRINGBOARD
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
P
R
I
N
G
B
O
A
R
D
More clues leading to the result SPRINGBOARD
- Way extremely sharp gang stole first diving aid
- One can serve starters: seasonal food?
- Starting point for design of Dutch prison garb
- It assists the diver to go up rather than down
- Spa committee where one might stand before 14?
- Bound to get on diving platform
- Season meals provided something to give you a boost
- Executives in early stage of year in launch site?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "diving platform" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case diving platform = springboard.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 SPRINGBOARD mean?
SPRINGBOARD noun- A diving board consisting of a flexible, springy, cantilevered platform, used for diving into water.
- A small platform on springs and usually hinged at one end, used to launch or vault onto other equipment.
- Anything that gives a person or thing energy or impulse, or that serves to launch or begin something.
- To launch or propel as if from a springboard, especially toward political office.