The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word MATCHSTICK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
M
A
T
C
H
S
T
I
C
K
More clues leading to the result MATCHSTICK
- Striker in game getting flak
- Individual that’s struck with equal criticism
- After game, abuse striker
- Very slender support for striker
- One taken out by striker gets banter during game?
- Striking reminder of a Lowry figure?
- Striker effective only once in game given abuse
- Very thin peer given gum
- Game with glue and thin piece of wood
- After boxing event, endure lighter alternative
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Individual that’s struck" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case individual that’s struck = matchstick.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 MATCHSTICK mean?
MATCHSTICK noun- A small, slender piece of wood or cardboard serving as a component of a match.
- (chiefly in the plural) Any similarly small and thin piece.