Cryptic crossword clue
Liberal Dem Cable in the doldrums 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
B
E
C
A
L
M
E
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "in the doldrums" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in the doldrums = becalmed.
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 BECALMED mean?

BECALMED verb
  1. To make calm or still; make quiet; calm.
  2. To deprive (a ship) of wind, so that it cannot move (usually in passive).
BECALMED adjective
  1. (of a sailing ship) Unable to move due to lack of wind.

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