Cryptic crossword clue
Loses first of many independent butchers

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MISLAYS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
I
S
L
A
Y
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Loses" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case loses = mislays.
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 MISLAYS mean?

MISLAYS verb
  1. To leave or lay something in the wrong place and then forget where one put it.

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