The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SWANSONG
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
W
A
N
S
O
N
G
More clues leading to the result SWANSONG
- Final performance of melody receives weak, brief response
- Gloria Gaynor’s first and last gig?
- Final appearance of US actress — good!
- Northern child introduced to stolen goods – it shouldn’t happen again!
- Child beset by worries getting up for last performance
- Gloria’s great at the final curtain
- American actress needing good final performance
- Famous old Hollywood actress, good in the last act
- Actress who played Norma Desmond -- good in last performance
- Manoeuvred wagons to secure opposite directions in last hurrah
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Final appearance" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case final appearance = swansong.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 SWANSONG mean?
SWANSONG noun- A final performance or accomplishment, especially one before retirement.