The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SURPASS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
U
R
P
A
S
S
More clues leading to the result SURPASS
- Do better than Spurs, say, almost unexpectedly
- Top resorts scattered principally around ancient city
- Better make a noise while chugging, line’s to go behind
- Eclipse almost certain to end
- Almost certain to go top
- Beat struggling Spurs, netting a second
- Find out engaging right secretary is better
- Almost certain to change cap
- Better proposition under squire, every so often
- Almost certain to come through second best
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Eclipse" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case eclipse = surpass.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 SURPASS mean?
SURPASS verb- To go beyond, especially in a metaphoric or technical manner; to exceed.