Cryptic crossword clue
Gaining pounds in the middle can be irritating  8

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

N
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T
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "irritating" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case irritating = nettling.
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 NETTLING mean?

NETTLING verb
  1. Of the nettle plant and similar physical causes, to sting, causing a rash in someone.
  2. To pique, irritate, vex or provoke.
NETTLING noun
  1. (ropemaking) A process, resembling splicing, by which two ropes are joined so as to form one rope.
  2. The process of tying together the ends of yarns in pairs, to prevent tangling.
  3. The process of stinging somebody with nettles.

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