The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RAILROADS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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More clues leading to the result RAILROADS
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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 RAILROADS mean?
RAILROADS noun- A permanent road consisting of fixed metal rails to drive trains or similar motorized vehicles on.
- The transportation system comprising such roads and vehicles fitted to travel on the rails, usually with several vehicles connected together in a train.
- A single, privately or publicly owned property comprising one or more such roads and usually associated assets
- A procedure conducted in haste without due consideration.
- To transport via railroad.
- To operate a railroad.
- To work for a railroad.
- To travel by railroad.
- To engage in a hobby pertaining to railroads.
- To manipulate and hasten a procedure, as of formal approval of a law or resolution.
- To convict of a crime by circumventing due process.
- To procedurally bully someone into an unfair agreement.
- To force characters to complete a task before allowing the plot to continue.
- (upholstery) To run fabric horizontally instead of the usual vertically.