Cryptic crossword clue
Cutting very critical leading actor to be replaced by unknown 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
C
Y
T
H
I
N
G

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 = scything.
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 SCYTHING mean?

SCYTHING verb
  1. To use a scythe.
  2. To cut with a scythe.
  3. To cut off as with a scythe; to mow.
  4. To attack or injure as if cutting.
SCYTHING noun
  1. The act of using a scythe.
  2. The mown material left after using a scythe.

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