The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MARGINS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
M
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G
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More clues leading to the result MARGINS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "borders" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case borders = margins.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 MARGINS mean?
MARGINS noun- The edge of the paper, typically left blank when printing but sometimes used for annotations etc.
- The edge or border of any flat surface.
- The edge defining inclusion in or exclusion from a set or group.
- A difference or ratio between results, characteristics, scores.
- A permissible difference; allowing some freedom to move within limits.
- The yield or profit; the selling price minus the cost of production.
- Collateral security deposited with a broker, to compensate the broker in the event of loss in the speculative buying and selling of stocks, commodities, etc.