Cryptic crossword clue
Mates start so badly as dinner hosts 12

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word TOASTMASTERS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
O
A
S
T
M
A
S
T
E
R
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "dinner hosts" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dinner hosts = toastmasters.
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 TOASTMASTERS mean?

TOASTMASTERS noun
  1. A person who introduces speakers, and proposes toasts at a formal dinner; a master of ceremonies.

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