Cryptic crossword clue
Not having object in van gets one very embarrassed at first 12

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
I
N
T
R
A
N
S
I
T
I
V
E

Buddy explains!

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 INTRANSITIVE mean?

INTRANSITIVE adjective
  1. (grammar, of a verb) not transitive: not having, or not taking, a direct object
  2. Not transitive or passing further; kept; detained

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