The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word FIGUREHEAD
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result FIGUREHEAD
- “Fellow institute should look up to”, he argued with passion?
- Following guide, hear about carved decoration
- Imagine drug mule’s last public announcement to nominal ruler
- Work out chairman’s bust on board
- He’d argue if forced out for one fronting the organisation
- Front man whole number precede
- Chief in name only repositioned if he argued
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "carved decoration" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case carved decoration = figurehead.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 FIGUREHEAD mean?
FIGUREHEAD noun- A carved figure on the prow of a sailing ship.
- (by extension) Someone in a nominal position of leadership who has no actual power; a front or front man.