Cryptic crossword clue
Drew back, having dashed across island 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Drew back" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case drew back = flinched.
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 FLINCHED mean?

FLINCHED verb
  1. To strip the blubber or skin from, as from a whale, seal, etc.
FLINCHED verb
  1. To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus; to cringe.
  2. To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty
  3. To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

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