Cryptic crossword clue
Mat originally straightened, dragged through the mud 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "dragged through the mud" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dragged through the mud = maligned.
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 MALIGNED mean?

MALIGNED verb
  1. To make defamatory statements about; to slander or traduce.
  2. To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong.
MALIGNED adjective
  1. Assailed with contemptuous language

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