The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STACCATO
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
T
A
C
C
A
T
O
More clues leading to the result STACCATO
- Detached Roman statesman with animals from the east
- Short and detached musical rejected by old Censor?
- Pets going head to head inside very well broken up
- Separated at least three felines going head to head over nothing
- Musical returns, with company incorporating a time for musical instruction
- Hearts lost twice — that coach’s messed up direction to players
- Cat’s coat badly clipped
- Notes detached and cast out by censor
- Arranged toccatas, far from legato
- Two jazz fans going head to head, coming in so jumpily?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "direction to players" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case direction to players = staccato.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 STACCATO mean?
STACCATO noun- An articulation marking directing that a note or passage of notes are to be played in an abruptly disconnected manner, with each note sounding for a very short duration, and a short break lasting until the sounding of the next note; as opposed to legato. Staccato is indicated by a dot directly above or below the notehead.
- A passage having this mark.
- Any sound resembling a musical staccato.
- Describing a passage having this mark.
- Made up of abruptly disconnected parts or sounds.
- Played in this style