Cryptic crossword clue
Burns rot on board ship 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SMOULDERS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
M
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More clues leading to the result SMOULDERS

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Burns" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case burns = smoulders.
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 SMOULDERS mean?

SMOULDERS verb
  1. To burn with no flame and little smoke.
  2. To show signs of repressed anger or suppressed mental turmoil or other strong emotion, such as passion.
  3. To exist in a suppressed or hidden state.
SMOULDERS verb
  1. To smother; to suffocate; to choke.

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