The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 plus 4 letter word PRESS GANG
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
R
E
S
S
G
A
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they try to get you on board" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they try to get you on board = press gang.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 PRESS GANG mean?
PRESS GANG noun- A body of men employed to force others into military or naval service.
- To force men into military or naval service.
- To coerce somebody into doing something that they are reluctant to do.