The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word OFFLOADS
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More clues leading to the result OFFLOADS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "shifts" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shifts = offloads.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 OFFLOADS mean?
OFFLOADS noun- The act of offloading something, or diverting it elsewhere.
- The act of passing the ball to a team mate when tackled.
- To unload.
- To get rid of things, work, or problems by passing them on to someone or something else.
- To pass the ball.
- (travel) to deny a person on a standby list due to lack of space.
- (travel) to change a passengers' ticket status from "checked in" to "open", allowing further changes. (This applies regardless of whether the passenger has boarded the aircraft or not).