The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PLATFORMS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
L
A
T
F
O
R
M
S
Buddy explains!
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 PLATFORMS mean?
PLATFORMS noun- A raised stage from which speeches are made and on which musical and other performances are made.
- A raised floor for any purpose, e.g. for workmen during construction, or formerly for military cannon.
- A place or an opportunity to express one's opinion; a tribune.
- A kind of high shoe with an extra layer between the inner and outer soles.
- Something that allows an enterprise to advance; a foundation or stage.
- A set of components shared by several vehicle models.
- A computer system used to deliver services to clients; a solution
- A particular type of operating system or environment such as a database or other specific software, and/or a particular type of computer or microprocessor, used to describe a particular environment for running other software, or for defining a specific software or hardware environment for discussion purposes.
- A flat expanse of rock, often the result of wave erosion.
- A light deck, usually placed in a section of the hold or over the floor of the magazine.
- A political stance on a broad set of issues, which are called planks.
- (travel) A raised structure from which passengers can enter or leave a train, metro etc.
- A plan; a sketch; a model; a pattern.
- To furnish with or shape into a platform
- To place on, or as if on, a platform.
- To form a plan of; to model; to lay out.
- To include in a political platform
- To publish or make visible; to provide a platform for (a topic etc.).
- To open (a film) in a small number of theaters before a broader release in order to generate enthusiasm.