The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 plus 8 letter word MARKET RESEARCH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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More clues leading to the result MARKET RESEARCH
- Car-makers there organised test of customers' requirements
- Carmakers there made a mess of client surveys
- Following sign, doctor creates her diagnosis of consumption?
- Three car makers organised test of public opinion
- Are there consumers extremely disposed to follow brand? This can tell you
- Consumer needs analysis, having abused car makers there
- Criminal racketeers harm subject of intensive questioning?
- Scientific analysis of the causes of consumption
- Devious racketeer harms pollster's task
- Damage vessel going about on sea: right way to test the water?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "way to test the water" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case way to test the water = market research.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 MARKET RESEARCH mean?
MARKET RESEARCH noun- The systematic collection and evaluation of data regarding customers' preferences for actual and potential products and services.