The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word INTERVIEWS
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The straight part
We know that "In formal meetings" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in formal meetings = interviews.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 INTERVIEWS mean?
INTERVIEWS noun- An official face-to-face meeting of monarchs or other important figures.
- Any face-to-face meeting, especially of an official nature.
- A conversation in person (or, by extension, over the telephone, Internet etc.) between a journalist and someone whose opinion or statements he or she wishes to record for publication, broadcast etc.
- A formal meeting, in person, for the assessment of a candidate or applicant.
- An audition.
- A police interrogation of a suspect or party in an investigation.
- To ask questions of (somebody); to have an interview.
- To be interviewed; to attend an interview.