Cryptic crossword clue
Machine, something circular getting foamy 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word LATHERING

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "getting /foam/y" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case getting /foam/y = lathering.
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 LATHERING mean?

LATHERING verb
  1. To cover with lather.
  2. To beat or whip.
  3. To form lather or froth, as a horse does when profusely sweating.
LATHERING noun
  1. The act of lathering; a covering with lather.

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