Cryptic crossword clue
Democrat initially bends backward to gather information on the inexpensive cut of meat  5-3

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

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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "inexpensive cut of meat" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case inexpensive cut of meat = scrag-end.
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 SCRAG-END mean?

SCRAG-END noun
  1. A cheap primal cut of lamb or mutton that comes from the forepart of the neck and is typically used in soups or stews.
  2. The scraps of something; the leftover bits.
  3. The less desirable part of something.
  4. A person who is old and weak or useless.

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