The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word NARRATES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
N
A
R
R
A
T
E
S
More clues leading to the result NARRATES
- Located by Scottish island, returns and tells a story
- Reports managed to raise tax
- Gives information which could lead to making an arrest
- A ranter’s ridiculous reports
- Managed to raise local taxes and provides an account
- Reports suggest that an arrest is botched
- Tells, “Ran back with taxes”
- One beginning to raise prices after new recounts
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "provides an account" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case provides an account = narrates.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 NARRATES mean?
NARRATES verb- To relate (a story or series of events) in speech or writing.
- To give an account.