The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 plus 3 letter word BLESS YOU
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
L
E
S
S
Y
O
U
More clues leading to the result BLESS YOU
- Endearing expression unruly boys use around Lima
- Reply to outburst by Open University bringing in a smaller amount?
- Response to outburst by OU accepting a smaller amount
- Mystifed by Seoul’s response to expulsion
- Affectionate expression boy uses freely about student
- Reflex response from Belgium, missing one being addressed
- Sneeze and you will get this benediction
- What to wish one suffering a sudden expulsion?
- Fewer interrupted by essentially loud response to unexpected outburst?
- Expression of gratitude boy uses, swimming around lake
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Endearing expression" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case endearing expression = bless you.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.