Cryptic crossword clue
Ponders brief massage — setter’s back and bum! 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RUMINATES

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
U
M
I
N
A
T
E
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Ponders" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ponders = ruminates.
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 RUMINATES mean?

RUMINATES verb
  1. To chew cud. (Said of ruminants.) Involves regurgitating partially digested food from the rumen.
  2. To meditate or reflect.
  3. To meditate or ponder over; to muse on.

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