Cryptic crossword clue
Keeps tight grips 11

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word STRONGHOLDS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
T
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O
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S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Keeps" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case keeps = strongholds.
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 STRONGHOLDS mean?

STRONGHOLDS noun
  1. A place built to withstand attack; a fortress.
  2. A place of domination by, or refuge or survival of, a particular group or idea.

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