Cryptic crossword clue
Fails to comply with a vote – is left in a mess 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word VIOLATES

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
V
I
O
L
A
T
E
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Fails to comply" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fails to comply = violates.
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 VIOLATES mean?

VIOLATES verb
  1. To break or disregard (a rule or convention).
  2. To rape.
  3. To cite (a person) for a parole violation.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations