The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 plus 4 letter word BOOBY TRAP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
O
O
B
Y
T
R
A
P
More clues leading to the result BOOBY TRAP
- Bash goof up in unwelcome surprise
- It could be explosive blunder litigant's turned up
- Squad dug up a concealed danger
- Side returned after mistake with apparently harmless object
- Individual mistake backfiring, producing bomb perhaps?
- Mine is gathering fluff when viewed in the mirror
- Perhaps Tory slip up led to ambush
- Inverse function error is mine
- Error by revolutionary group making explosive device?
- Practical joke in celebration back-firing after stupid error
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "It could be explosive" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it could be explosive = booby trap.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 BOOBY TRAP mean?
BOOBY TRAP noun- An antipersonnel device deliberately hidden or disguised as a harmless object.
- A practical joke by which something is made to fall upon someone entering through a door, or the like.
- (by extension) An unforeseen source of danger; a pitfall.
- To set up with booby traps; to plant a booby trap on.