Cryptic crossword clue
Enlightens polite hipsters every so often 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CIVILISES

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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Enlightens" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case enlightens = civilises.
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 CIVILISES mean?

CIVILISES verb
  1. To educate or enlighten a person or people to a perceived higher standard of behaviour.
  2. To introduce or impose the standards of one civilisation upon another civilization, group or person, arguably with the intent of achieving a perceived higher standard of behavior.
  3. To bring from a state of savagery to an educated or refined state.

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