Cryptic crossword clue
Clips are damaged in passage through rock 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SPIRACLE

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "passage through rock" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case passage through rock = spiracle.
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 SPIRACLE mean?

SPIRACLE noun
  1. A pore or opening used (especially by arthropods and some fish) for respiration.
  2. The blowhole of a whale, dolphin or other similar species.
  3. Any small aperture or vent for air or other fluid.

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