Cryptic crossword clue
Nightingale, perhaps, tires from flying 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word REFORMIST

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

The straight part
We know that "Nightingale, perhaps" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case nightingale, perhaps = reformist.
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 REFORMIST mean?

REFORMIST noun
  1. One who advocates reform (of an institution).
  2. Specifically, one who advocates reform of society and the gradual accumulation of small changes, as opposed to revolutionary action.
  3. (17th C.) An advocate of reform in the Church of England; a Reformer.
  4. (18th century) An advocate or supporter of political reform in the United Kingdom. (Common from ca 1790 to 1830.)
  5. A member of a reformed religious denomination.
REFORMIST adjective
  1. Advocating reform of an institution or body.
  2. Specifically, advocating reform and the gradual accumulation of small changes, as opposed to revolutionary action.

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