Cryptic crossword clue
Collecting boatyard worker, Sailor Heath set off 9

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
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G
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "set off/set off" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case set off/set off = triggered.
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 TRIGGERED mean?

TRIGGERED verb
  1. To fire a weapon.
  2. To initiate something.
  3. To spark a response, especially a negative emotional response, in (someone).
  4. To activate; to become active.
TRIGGERED adjective
  1. Having a trigger that reacts to some specific condition.

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