Cryptic crossword clue
Idle brutes, if disturbed, played for time 12

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word FILIBUSTERED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
F
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "played for time" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case played for time = filibustered.
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 FILIBUSTERED mean?

FILIBUSTERED verb
  1. To take part in a private military action in a foreign country.
  2. To use obstructionist tactics in a legislative body.

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