The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word BLUBBERING
B
L
U
B
B
E
R
I
N
G
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "in tears" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in tears = blubbering.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 BLUBBERING mean?
BLUBBERING verb- To make noises or broken words while crying.
- To swell or disfigure (the face) with weeping; to wet with tears.
- Noisy sobbing