Cryptic crossword clue
Fights back at earliest upset 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word RETALIATES

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
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A
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Fights back" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fights back = retaliates.
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 RETALIATES mean?

RETALIATES verb
  1. To do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront.
  2. To repay or requite by an act of the same kind.

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