The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word REIGNED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
R
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More clues leading to the result REIGNED
- Prevailed, though apparently snubbed again, or overlooked
- Sat, fell, was picked up
- Ruled measure government introduced must be reversed
- Perhaps Oliver drank gin cocktail, but was in total control
- Changing gender, I was in charge
- Occupied regal office in foreign edifice
- Was King George in control before Edward?
- Son leaves showing calm acceptance, having prevailed
- Was ruler guided like Arab, from what we hear?
- Was monarch pelted, as stated?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "was in total control" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case was in total control = reigned.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 REIGNED mean?
REIGNED verb- To exercise sovereign power, to rule as a monarch.
- To reign over (a country)
- To be the winner of the most recent iteration of a competition.
- To be a dominant quality of a place or situation; to prevail, predominate, rule.