Cryptic crossword clue
I faint as costs build up for settlements 13

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 13 letter word SATISFACTIONS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
A
T
I
S
F
A
C
T
I
O
N
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "settlements" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case settlements = satisfactions.
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.

Crossword Answer definitions

SATISFACTIONS noun
  1. A fulfilment of a need or desire.
  2. The pleasure obtained by such fulfillment.
  3. The source of such gratification.
  4. A reparation for an injury or loss.
  5. A vindication for a wrong suffered.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations