Cryptic crossword clue
New trainee Duke kept on

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
R
E
T
A
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "kept on" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case kept on = retained.
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 RETAINED mean?

RETAINED verb
  1. To keep in possession or use.
  2. To keep in one's pay or service.
  3. To employ by paying a retainer.
  4. To hold secure.
  5. To hold back (a pupil) instead of allowing them to advance to the next class or year.
  6. To restrain; to prevent.
  7. To belong; to pertain.

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