The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PREPARE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
P
R
E
P
A
R
E
More clues leading to the result PREPARE
- Rapper revised English in draft
- Edited paper about 18
- Get ready and shave beforehand?
- Prime cut behind pig’s head — remove its skin
- Get ready to slim down after purge, oddly
- Agent dividing cut in study
- Get into shape before couple’s announcement
- Set up rapper to get busted with drug
- Get ready before cut back
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "18" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case 18 = prepare.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 PREPARE mean?
PREPARE noun- Preparation
- To make ready for a specific future purpose; to set up; to assemble or equip.
- To make ready for eating or drinking; to cook.
- To make oneself ready; to get ready, make preparation.
- To produce or make by combining elements; to synthesize, compound.