Cryptic crossword clue
Expression of pain by one in ordeal most bad-tempered 9

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "most bad-tempered" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case most bad-tempered = touchiest.
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 TOUCHIEST mean?

TOUCHIEST adjective
  1. (of a situation) Extremely sensitive or volatile; easily disturbed to the point of becoming unstable; requiring caution or tactfulness.
  2. (of a person) Easily offended; oversensitive; ticklish.

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