Cryptic crossword clue
Failing to pen line, journalist headed off 9

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
E
F
L
E
C
T
E
D

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 DEFLECTED mean?

DEFLECTED verb
  1. To make (something) deviate from its original path.
  2. (ball games) To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
  3. To deviate from its original path.
  4. To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
  5. To divert (attention, etc.).
DEFLECTED adjective
  1. Bent abruptly downward.

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