Cryptic crossword clue
I rouse fools with cunning, no joking 9

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
E
R
I
O
U
S
L
Y

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "no joking" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case no joking = seriously.
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 SERIOUSLY mean?

SERIOUSLY adverb
  1. (manner) In a serious or literal manner.
  2. Gravely; deeply; very much.
  3. Used to attempt to introduce a serious point in a less serious conversation
  4. Used to call back to a previous point, either in disbelief or emphasis

Latest crossword clues with full explanations