Cryptic crossword clue
It’s certainly not helping mother, getting old 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DAMAGING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
A
M
A
G
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "It’s certainly not helping" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it’s certainly not helping = damaging.
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 DAMAGING mean?

DAMAGING verb
  1. To impair the soundness, goodness, or value of; to harm or cause destruction.
  2. To undergo damage.
DAMAGING noun
  1. An act of causing damage.
DAMAGING adjective
  1. Harmful; injurious; causing damage.

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