The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word BACKBENCH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
A
C
K
B
E
N
C
H
Buddy explains!
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 BACKBENCH mean?
BACKBENCH noun- A bench at the back of a room or seating area.
- A position of secondary importance.
- (newspaper) A group of top-level journalists who jointly review submissions and decide on the layout and emphasis of the newspaper.
- Relating to the back benches in parliament
- Pertaining to the preparation of a donor organ prior to transplantation.
- Secondary or inactive.