The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word WARRANTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "sanctions" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sanctions = warrants.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 WARRANTS mean?
WARRANTS noun- Authorization or certification; a sanction, as given by a superior.
- Something that provides assurance or confirmation; a guarantee or proof.
- An order that serves as authorization; especially a voucher authorizing payment or receipt of money.
- An option, usually issued together with another security and with a term at issue greater than a year, to buy other securities of the issuer.
- A judicial writ authorizing an officer to make a search, seizure, or arrest, or to execute a judgment.
- Short for warrant officer.
- A document certifying that a motor vehicle meets certain standards of mechanical soundness and safety; a warrant of fitness.
- A defender, a protector.
- Underclay in a coal mine.
- To protect, keep safe (from danger).
- To give (someone) an assurance or guarantee (of something); also, with a double object: to guarantee (someone something).
- To guarantee (something) to be (of a specified quality, value, etc.).
- To guarantee as being true; (colloquially) to believe strongly.
- To authorize; to give (someone) sanction or warrant (to do something).
- To justify; to give grounds for.