The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word FISTICUFFS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
F
I
S
T
I
C
U
F
F
S
More clues leading to the result FISTICUFFS
- Doubt about chopped ice in packs for boxing
- Scrap stuff associated with sci-fi novel
- A PC’s restraint at first if it’s boozy hand-to-hand combat
- Fighting fit, fuss if at first cheeked at work
- If around, copper stops tough son fighting
- Fighting fit boxing foremost of southpaws, I hit strongly, at the start
- Scrap copper collected by motorsport bodies
- If stuff is dealt around clubs the result may be fighting
- Hand-to-hand combat?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "fighting" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fighting = fisticuffs.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 FISTICUFFS mean?
FISTICUFFS noun- A fistfight.
- A cuff or blow administered with the fist.
- An impromptu fight with the fists, usually between only two people.
- Bare-knuckled boxing, a form of boxing done without boxing gloves or similar padding.