The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ORNAMENTAL
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
O
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N
A
M
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T
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L
More clues leading to the result ORNAMENTAL
- Attractive Exmoor heroine heading off, crazed
- Cosmetic surgery’s needed for lean matron
- Over time, no real man dances for show
- Fancy somebody with books entering exam!
- Man on Later playing purely to show off?
- Fancy title on book in exam
- Decorative gold pieces found in South American city
- Decorative handle for books used in examination
- Fancy somebody being against books in exam
- Decorative — possibly late Norman
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "purely to show off" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case purely to show off = ornamental.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 ORNAMENTAL mean?
ORNAMENTAL noun- An ornamental plant.
- Serving as an ornament; having no purpose other than to make more beautiful.
- (of a plant, fish, etc.) Bred for aesthetic or decorative purposes.