Cryptic crossword clue
Nations fall out over smears 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ANOINTS

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
A
N
O
I
N
T
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "smears" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case smears = anoints.
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 ANOINTS mean?

ANOINTS verb
  1. To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
  2. To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
  3. To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.
  4. To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.

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