The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RAKE-OFF
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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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 RAKE-OFF mean?
RAKE-OFF noun- A percentage of an amount of money taken by a third-party as a bribe, as part of an unlawful enterprise, or as a commission from the pot of a casino game.