Cryptic crossword clue
Branching out, sailor claiming financial assistance returned 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RADIATING

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Branching out" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case branching out = radiating.
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 RADIATING mean?

RADIATING verb
  1. To extend, send or spread out from a center like radii.
  2. To emit rays or waves.
  3. To come out or proceed in rays or waves.
  4. To illuminate.
  5. To expose to ionizing radiation, such as by radiography.
  6. To manifest oneself in a glowing manner.
  7. (ecology, intransitive) to spread into new habitats, migrate.

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