Cryptic crossword clue
Holds in custody having broken up arms den

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word REMANDS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
E
M
A
N
D
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Holds in custody" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case holds in custody = remands.
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 REMANDS mean?

REMANDS verb
  1. To send a prisoner back to custody.
  2. To send a case back to a lower court for further consideration.
  3. To send back.

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