Cryptic crossword clue
Macbeth’s hags are after small rail-yard controls 8

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

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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "rail-yard controls" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rail-yard controls = switches.
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 SWITCHES mean?

SWITCHES noun
  1. A bundle of thin sticks, typically made of wood, sometimes bond in such a way that binding can be moved so that it varies the tightness of the binding.
SWITCHES noun
  1. A device to turn electric current on and off or direct its flow.
  2. A change or exchange.
  3. A movable section of railroad track which allows the train to be directed down one of two destination tracks; (set of) points.
  4. A slender woody plant stem used as a whip; a thin, flexible rod, associated with corporal punishment in the United States.
  5. A command line notation allowing specification of optional behavior.
  6. A programming construct that takes different actions depending on the value of an expression.
  7. A networking device connecting multiple wires, allowing them to communicate simultaneously, when possible. Compare to the less efficient hub device that solely duplicates network packets to each wire.
  8. A system of specialized relays, computer hardware, or other equipment which allows the interconnection of a calling party's telephone line with any called party's line.
  9. A mechanism within DNA that activates or deactivates a gene.
  10. (BDSM) One who is willing to take either a submissive or a dominant role in a sexual relationship.
  11. A separate mass or tress of hair, or of some substance (such as jute) made to resemble hair, formerly worn on the head by women.
SWITCHES verb
  1. To exchange.
  2. To change (something) to the specified state using a switch.
  3. To whip or hit with a switch.
  4. To change places, tasks, etc.
  5. To get angry suddenly; to quickly or unreasonably become enraged.
  6. To swing or whisk.
  7. To be swung or whisked.
  8. To trim.
  9. To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; generally with off, from, etc.
  10. To shift to another circuit.

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