The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ACERBIC
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
C
E
R
B
I
C
More clues leading to the result ACERBIC
- Cutting maple branch is complicated to start with
- Harsh Balkan, reportedly one taken into account
- Cutting tree I found in British Columbia
- Bitter maple initially brought into Canada
- Bitter writer sitting beneath tree
- One chapter ending writer’s cutting
- Account by bishop in cold fury turning bitter
- Tip of red pen used by card sharp
- Sharp expert playing crib
- Harsh and bitter bishop in command, pursuing one regime at first
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Cutting" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cutting = acerbic.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 ACERBIC mean?
ACERBIC adjective- Tasting sour or bitter.
- Sharp, harsh, biting.