Cryptic crossword clue
Briefing is formal, stylish and grand 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PRIMING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
R
I
M
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Briefing" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case briefing = priming.
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 PRIMING mean?

PRIMING verb
  1. To prepare a mechanism for its main work.
  2. To apply a coat of primer paint to.
  3. To be renewed.
  4. To serve as priming for the charge of a gun.
  5. (of a steam boiler) To work so that foaming occurs from too violent ebullition, which causes water to become mixed with, and be carried along with, the steam that is formed.
  6. To apply priming to (a musket or cannon); to apply a primer to (a metallic cartridge).
  7. To prepare; to make ready; to instruct beforehand; to coach.
  8. To trim or prune.
  9. To mark with a prime mark.
PRIMING noun
  1. The implicit memory effect in which exposure to a stimulus influences response to a subsequent stimulus.
  2. A substance used as a primer.
  3. The powder or other combustible used to communicate fire to a charge of gunpowder, as in a firearm.
  4. The first coating of colour, size, etc. laid on canvas, or on a building or other surface.
  5. The carrying over of water, with the steam, from the boiler, as into the cylinder.

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