The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SUPERHERO
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
U
P
E
R
H
E
R
O
More clues leading to the result SUPERHERO
- Queen enthralled by Orpheus, odd person with special powers
- Hope surer possibly when he appears?
- Comic-book star rose up magically, holding that lady
- Fancy horse, Peru, one to bet on in crisis?
- Are his powers halved during meal with lady-love?
- Our sphere going pear- shaped, might one save the world?
- Excellent old king’s missing daughter found by Jessica Jones perhaps
- Flash poseur dancing around her, for example
- Like Batman, he rose up, flying over Robin’s head
- Great to be given her love in Kent?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "one to bet on in crisis" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one to bet on in crisis = superhero.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 SUPERHERO mean?
SUPERHERO noun- Any kind of fantasy/science fiction crime-fighting character, often with supernatural powers or equipment, in popular children's and fantasy literature.