Cryptic crossword clue
Flannel? Has it been in the bath too long? 4-4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SOFT-SOAP

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
O
F
T
-
S
O
A
P

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Flannel" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case flannel = soft-soap.
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 SOFT-SOAP mean?

SOFT-SOAP noun
  1. Persuasion by means of flattery or pleasing words.
SOFT-SOAP verb
  1. To attempt to persuade by flattery or pleasing words; to butter up.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations