The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word UPTHRUST
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
U
P
T
H
R
U
S
T
More clues leading to the result UPTHRUST
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Lift/required by 16" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lift/required by 16 = upthrust.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 UPTHRUST mean?
UPTHRUST noun- An upward thrust.
- Buoyancy.
- An upward movement of part of the Earth's crust.
- To thrust something upwards.
- To be thrust upwards.