Cryptic crossword clue
Lighter grip, one’s loose 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Lighter" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lighter = spongier.
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 SPONGIER mean?

SPONGIER adjective
  1. Having the characteristics of a sponge, namely being absorbent, squishy or porous.
  2. Wet; drenched; soaked and soft, like sponge; rainy.
  3. Drunk.

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