Cryptic crossword clue
Grand Midlands town not about to go flashy 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
G
L
E
A
M
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

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

GLEAMING verb
  1. To shine; to glitter; to glisten.
  2. To be briefly but strongly apparent.
  3. To disgorge filth, as a hawk.
GLEAMING noun
  1. A flash of reflected light.
GLEAMING adjective
  1. Having a bright sheen.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations