Cryptic crossword clue
False Tory attempted to take in Vatican leader 9

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
O
N
T
R
I
V
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 CONTRIVED mean?

CONTRIVED verb
  1. To invent by an exercise of ingenuity; to devise
  2. To invent, to make devices; to form designs especially by improvisation.
  3. To project, cast, or set forth, as in a projection of light.
  4. To spend (time, or a period).
CONTRIVED adjective
  1. Created in a deliberate, rather than natural or spontaneous, way.
  2. Unnatural, forced; artificial, or unrealistic.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations