Cryptic crossword clue
Crooked gent reported a total loss 5-3

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word WRITE-OFF

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
R
I
T
E
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O
F
F

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "total loss" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case total loss = write-off.
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 WRITE-OFF mean?

WRITE-OFF verb
  1. To reduce the book value of (an asset) to zero.
  2. To record (an expenditure) as an expense.
  3. To remove a portion of a debt or an amount of an account owed, counting it as a loss (as a gesture of goodwill for example).
  4. To record a notional expense such as amortization or depreciation.
  5. To treat as a write-off, a total loss, especially something damaged beyond economic repair.
  6. To assign a low value to (something).
WRITE-OFF noun
  1. The cancellation of an item; the amount cancelled or lost
  2. Something that is now worthless (such as a car after an accident)

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