The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word GRAPPLED
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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 GRAPPLED mean?
GRAPPLED verb- To seize something and hold it firmly.
- To wrestle or tussle.
- (with with) To ponder and intensely evaluate a problem.
- To fasten, as with a grapple; (by extension) to fix; to join indissolubly.
- To climb (whether by means of a grapple and rope, or by hand, etc).
- To use a grapple (for example to attempt to find, hook, and raise a net or cable).
- To hook and raise with a grapple.