Cryptic crossword clue
It could be grim for one losing love, making a new start 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word REFORMING

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "making a new start" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case making a new start = reforming.
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 REFORMING mean?

REFORMING verb
  1. To put into a new and improved form or condition; to restore to a former good state, or bring from bad to good; to change from worse to better
  2. To return to a good state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits
  3. To form again or in a new configuration.
REFORMING noun
  1. Reformation
  2. A catalytic process, whereby short-chain molecules are combined to make larger ones; used in the petrochemical industry.

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