The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RIGHTFUL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
I
G
H
T
F
U
L
More clues leading to the result RIGHTFUL
- Just horrible, not fine
- Just terrible losing face
- Terrible female removed from top position, as is proper
- Just terrible losing first source of finance
- Just terrible heading off
- . Real nasty fellow kicked out
- Ugly, not loud and fair
- Terrible fighter getting knocked out proves just
- Just terrible, leader being deposed
- Nasty leader deposed, as should be the case
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "as should be the case" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case as should be the case = rightful.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 RIGHTFUL mean?
RIGHTFUL adjective- By right; by law.