The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TAPERING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
A
P
E
R
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result TAPERING
- Gradually decreasing sound at end of recording
- Record call, getting to the point
- Reducing volume, record band
- Band supporting record that’s certainly not coming out!
- Group after record for slimming
- Record sound that’s getting less and less
- Secure call coming to the point
- Record band fading out
- Record call that is getting to the point?
- Band of sticky stuff getting narrower
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "slimming" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case slimming = tapering.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 TAPERING mean?
TAPERING verb- To make thinner or narrower at one end.
- To diminish gradually.
- A tapered shape.