The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SURFACING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "rising to the top" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rising to the top = surfacing.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 SURFACING mean?
SURFACING verb- To provide something with a surface.
- To apply a surface to something.
- To rise to the surface.
- To bring to the surface.
- To come out of hiding.
- For information or facts to become known.
- To make information or facts known.
- To work a mine near the surface.
- To appear or be found.
- Material used to make a surface.
- The act of coming above the surface.