The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word APPROACHED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "made advances" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case made advances = approached.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 APPROACHED mean?
APPROACHED verb- To come or go near, in place or time; to draw nigh; to advance nearer.
- To draw near, in a figurative sense; to make advances; to approximate.
- To come near to in place, time, character or value; to draw nearer to.
- To make an attempt at (solving a problem or making a policy).
- To speak to, as to make a request or ask a question.
- To take approaches to.
- To bring near; to cause to draw near.