The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 plus 4 letter word FLIP FLOP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result FLIP FLOP
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Policy reversal/what’s afoot?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case policy reversal/what’s afoot? = flip flop.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 FLIP FLOP mean?
FLIP FLOP noun- An instance of flip-flopping, of repeatedly changing one's stated opinion about a matter.
- A bistable; an electronic switching circuit that has either two stable states (switching between them in response to a trigger) or a stable and an unstable state (switching from one to the other and back again in response to a trigger), and which is thereby capable of serving as one bit of memory.
- A sandal consisting of a rubber sole fastened to the foot by a rubber thong fitting between the toes and around the sides of the foot.
- A change of places; an inversion or swap.
- The sound of a regular footfall.
- To alternate back and forth between directly opposite opinions, ideas, or decisions.