Cryptic crossword clue
Octopus originally caught in net close to home left with a sad expression

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
W
O
E
B
E
G
O
N
E


Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "with a sad expression" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case with a sad expression = woebegone.
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 WOEBEGONE mean?

WOEBEGONE adjective
  1. In a deplorable state.
  2. Filled with or deeply affected by woe.

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