Cryptic crossword clue
Phoned detective — phoned again after connection initially failed 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word DIALLED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
I
A
L
L
E
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Phoned" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case phoned = dialled.
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 DIALLED mean?

DIALLED verb
  1. To control or select something with a dial, or (figuratively) as if with a dial.
  2. To select a number, or to call someone, on a telephone.
  3. To use a dial or a telephone.

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