The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TRAPDOOR
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
T
R
A
P
D
O
O
R
More clues leading to the result TRAPDOOR
- Corner, note, or entrance to roof space?
- Entrance having rounded cross-section
- Hinged flap in cross-section, seen from below
- A cross section climbed to means of escape
- Might such an entrance catch one unawares?
- Type of 25 cross, not entirely rejected
- Vampire in corner — cross raised
- Hatch cross-section towards the left
- Concealed exit from port road undergoing repairs
- Opening that might let actor down
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Opening that might let actor down" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case opening that might let actor down = trapdoor.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 TRAPDOOR mean?
TRAPDOOR noun- A hinged or sliding door set into a floor or ceiling.
- Such a trap set into the floor of a stage to allow fast exits and entrances.
- A secret method of obtaining access to a program or online system; a backdoor.
- The special information that permits the inverse of a trapdoor function to be easily computed.
- A door in a level for regulating the ventilating current; weather door.