Cryptic crossword clue
Harshly criticising small vehicle if expiring on losing key 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word SCARIFYING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
C
A
R
I
F
Y
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Harshly criticising" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case harshly criticising = scarifying.
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 SCARIFYING mean?

SCARIFYING verb
  1. To remove thatch (build-up of organic matter on the soil) from a lawn, to dethatch.
  2. To make scratches or cuts on.
  3. To harrow the feelings.
  4. To scar.
  5. Denude, or lay waste to.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations