The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SUSTAINS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
U
S
T
A
I
N
S
More clues leading to the result SUSTAINS
- Turning, American spots bears
- Bears find out metal stocks key — beginning to slide
- Supports America over blemishes
- South American drunken saint gets sanctions
- Upholds crimes involving American soldiers?
- Keeps us confined in bad spots
- Bears marks following American in revolution
- With blemishes all around, America suffers
- Supports South American volunteers in Sweden
- Provides for American returning with marks
Buddy explains!
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 SUSTAINS mean?
SUSTAINS noun- A mechanism which can be used to hold a note, as the right pedal on a piano.
- To maintain, or keep in existence.
- To provide for or nourish.
- To encourage or sanction (something).
- To experience or suffer (an injury, etc.).
- To confirm, prove, or corroborate; to uphold.
- To keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support.
- To aid, comfort, or relieve; to vindicate.