Cryptic crossword clue
Make weaker tea to lie in one’s cups 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
T
I
O
L
A
T
E

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Make weaker/Make weaker" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case make weaker/make weaker = etiolate.
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 ETIOLATE mean?

ETIOLATE verb
  1. To make pale through lack of light, especially of a plant.
  2. To make pale and sickly-looking.
  3. To become pale or blanched.
ETIOLATE adjective
  1. Etiolated

Latest crossword clues with full explanations