The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 plus 5 letter word ROLE MODEL
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
O
L
E
M
O
D
E
L
More clues leading to the result ROLE MODEL
- Look right up across unnamed newspaper, for example
- Person to copy European fashion in turn
- . She’s a good example in revolution around energy and style
- Get under way, we’re told, with one posing as exemplary figure
- Not initially well groomed – could become one to emulate
- Lord Mellor runs off, embarrassed – kids should look up to him!
- Older mole in training offering an inspiration for aspirants?
- Good example of English way to fill bun
- Revolution declared by maiden joining the French party held up as guide to good behaviour
- A poem by me about parting to move ahead is a good example to imitate
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "exemplary figure" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case exemplary figure = role model.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.