The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word DISTEND
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
D
I
S
T
E
N
D
More clues leading to the result DISTEND
- Nudist endearingly covering belly
- Detectives are inclined to spread out
- Daughter is to take care of balloon
- Expand study to include top Democrat
- Penniless pickpockets are inclined to exaggerate
- Managed to hide gun bulge
- Concealing weapon, did stretch
- Fill out form for Department and send it
- Stretch performed without shooter
- Detectives are liable for stretch
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "to exaggerate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case to exaggerate = distend.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 DISTEND mean?
DISTEND verb- To extend or expand, as from internal pressure; to swell
- To extend; to stretch out; to spread out.
- To cause to swell.
- To cause gravidity.