The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word HANDBAGS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
H
A
N
D
B
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Like a certain baroness" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case like a certain baroness = handbags.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 HANDBAGS mean?
HANDBAGS noun- (mainly Commonwealth) A small bag used by women (or sometimes by men) for carrying various small personal items.
- An subgenre of house music of the late 1980s, often with booming vocals.
- Said jocularly in response to a particularly derogatory, bitchy or catty dialogue; calm down; cool it.