The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word FRAGRANT
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
F
R
A
G
R
A
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T
More clues leading to the result FRAGRANT
- Cologne can be so loud, with student festivity and shouting
- Sweet old relative involved in facing frantic race against time
- Fine diatribe keeping newspaper in good odour?
- Sweet and holy father given a monetary allowance
- Father has an allowance — that’s sweet
- Sweet female’s harangue suppressing anger, oddly
- Sweet female opening charity event with tirade
- Father getting a gift containing perfume
- Sweet subsidy supporting female artist
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Cologne can be so" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cologne can be so = fragrant.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 FRAGRANT mean?
FRAGRANT adjective- Sweet-smelling; having a pleasant (usually strong) scent or fragrance.