The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CLINCHER
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result CLINCHER
- One to embrace decisive argument
- Someone grappling with a 12’6” item?
- Left cutting piece of cake, I’m not sure this settles it
- Decisive argument sees king escape jail in France, dear
- Caught on ship smuggling cocaine and heroin? It settles the matter conclusively
- Clerk adopting imperial measure, not kilo, in deciding factor
- Nothing taken out of novel chronicle helps in decisive move
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Decisive argument" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case decisive argument = clincher.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 CLINCHER mean?
CLINCHER noun- That which clinches; that which makes something final or firm.
- A tyre with a bead around the edge to attach to the rim of the wheel when inflated.