The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ENSLAVED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
E
N
S
L
A
V
E
D
More clues leading to the result ENSLAVED
- Captive in small room in home counties in terminal situation
- Spaces for printers: City editor keeps five in servitude
- Vlad seen dishevelled and oppressed
- Bats and elves trapped?
- Bound to find European in unexpected need
- Novel and elves — bound to work?
- Save and lend variously, subject to bond
- Captivated, Deva was sent back after lens broke
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "bound to work?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bound to work? = enslaved.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 ENSLAVED mean?
ENSLAVED verb- To make subservient; to strip one of freedom; enthrall.