Cryptic crossword clue
Finishing second — excellent 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STOPPING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
S
T
O
P
P
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More clues leading to the result STOPPING

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Finishing" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case finishing = stopping.
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 STOPPING mean?

STOPPING verb
  1. To cease moving.
  2. To not continue.
  3. To cause (something) to cease moving or progressing.
  4. To cease; to no longer continue (doing something).
  5. To cause (something) to come to an end.
  6. To close or block an opening.
  7. (often with "up" or "down") To adjust the aperture of a camera lens.
  8. To stay; to spend a short time; to reside or tarry temporarily.
  9. To regulate the sounds of (musical strings, etc.) by pressing them against the fingerboard with the finger, or otherwise shortening the vibrating part.
  10. To punctuate.
  11. To make fast; to stopper.
STOPPING noun
  1. The act of something that stops; a halt.
  2. Material for filling a cavity.
  3. A partition or door to direct or prevent a current of air.
  4. A pad or poultice of dung or other material applied to a horse's hoof to keep it moist.

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