Cryptic crossword clue
Fail in post: paid off 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word DISAPPOINT

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
I
S
A
P
P
O
I
N
T

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Fail" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fail = disappoint.
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.

Crossword Answer definitions

DISAPPOINT verb
  1. To sadden or displease (someone) by underperforming, or by not delivering something promised or hoped for.
  2. To deprive (someone of something expected or hoped for).
  3. To fail to meet (an expectation); to fail to fulfil (a hope).
  4. To show (an opinion, belief, etc.) to be mistaken.
  5. To prevent (something planned or attempted).
DISAPPOINT adjective
  1. Disappointed

Latest crossword clues with full explanations