The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CONTENDER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
O
N
T
E
N
D
E
R
More clues leading to the result CONTENDER
- One who competes to deceive nurse
- Offer by Conservative candidate
- One competing with prisoner and nurse?
- Rival is against the proposal
- Cheat vulnerable competitor
- He tries to swindle with a business offer
- One who struggles to steer a boat
- Brando said he could have been one against money
- Tory bid to be candidate
- Candidate, sensitive after hoax
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Brando said he could have been one" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case brando said he could have been one = contender.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 CONTENDER mean?
CONTENDER noun- Someone who competes with one or more other people.
- Someone who has a viable chance of winning a competition.