Cryptic crossword clue
Home counties in secret compact 5-3

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CLOSE-SET

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
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T

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "mpact" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case mpact = close-set.
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 CLOSE-SET mean?

CLOSE-SET adjective
  1. Set close together

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