Cryptic crossword clue
Holding seat, grip is failing 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CRUMPLING

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
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Buddy explains!

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

CRUMPLING verb
  1. To rumple; to press into wrinkles by crushing together.
  2. To cause to collapse.
  3. To become wrinkled.
  4. To collapse.
CRUMPLING noun
  1. The act by which something crumples.
  2. A crumpled shape or structure.

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