Cryptic crossword clue
Changes to secure the Italian ruins 9

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
U
T
I
L
A
T
E
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "ruins" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ruins = mutilates.
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 MUTILATES mean?

MUTILATES verb
  1. To physically harm as to impair use, notably by cutting off or otherwise disabling a vital part, such as a limb.
  2. To destroy beyond recognition.
  3. To render imperfect or defective.

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