The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PRETENDS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
R
E
T
E
N
D
S
More clues leading to the result PRETENDS
- Affects to be in film after priest objects
- Falsely claims corrupt rep finishes behind time
- Makes a claim about nurses under pressure
- Claims about nurse seen in part of letter
- First day in junior school ages kids
- Tenders forged by political head resulting in fakes
- President, embracing nurse, puts on an act
- Imagines correspondent’s tailpiece will be crushing about nurse
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Falsely claims" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case falsely claims = pretends.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 PRETENDS mean?
PRETENDS verb- To claim, to allege, especially when falsely or as a form of deliberate deception.
- To feign, affect (a state, quality, etc.).
- To lay claim to (an ability, status, advantage, etc.). (originally used without to)
- To make oneself appear to do or be doing something; to engage in make-believe.
- To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else; to exhibit as a veil for something hidden.
- To intend; to design, to plot; to attempt.
- To hold before one; to extend.