The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word FOOTINGS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
F
O
O
T
I
N
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S
Buddy explains!
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 FOOTINGS mean?
FOOTINGS noun- A ground for the foot; place for the foot to rest on; firm foundation to stand on.
- A standing; position; established place; basis for operation; permanent settlement; foothold.
- A relative condition; state.
- A tread; step; especially, measured tread.
- A footprint or footprints; tracks, someone's trail.
- Stability or balance when standing on one's feet
- The act of adding up a column of figures; the amount or sum total of such a column.
- The act of putting a foot to anything; also, that which is added as a foot
- A narrow cotton lace, without figures.
- The finer refuse part of whale blubber, not wholly deprived of oil.
- The thickened or sloping portion of a wall, or of an embankment at its foot; foundation.
- Double checking the numbers vertically.