The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 plus 1 letter word GRENADES -
G
R
E
N
A
D
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The straight part
We know that "Explosives" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case explosives = grenades -.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 GRENADES - mean?
GRENADES - noun- A small explosive device, designed to be thrown by hand or launched from a grenade launcher.
- A pomegranate.
- A charge similar to a fireball, and made of a disc-shaped bomb shell, but with only one set of flames at the top.
- An unattractive girl.