The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SKIRMISH
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
K
I
R
M
I
S
H
More clues leading to the result SKIRMISH
- Engagement risks him becoming distraught
- Shifting him risks a minor set-to
- Both endlessly move round and stay away from hard battle
- Moving him risks a fight
- Risk travelling quiet road before battle
- Brush him off? Risk’s involved with that
- Brawl as drink stops sergeant major getting his cocktail
- Small party conflict
- Second drink, note – say nothing that results in fight!
- Fight resistance in militant Sikhism
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Brush" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case brush = skirmish.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 SKIRMISH mean?
SKIRMISH noun- A brief battle between small groups, usually part of a longer or larger battle or war.
- (by extension) Any minor dispute.
- A type of outdoor military style game using paintball or similar weapons.
- To engage in a minor battle or dispute