The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word CORKSCREWED
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Bottle stoppers may have been this/this" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bottle stoppers may have been this/this = corkscrewed.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 CORKSCREWED mean?
CORKSCREWED verb- To wind or twist in the manner of a corkscrew; to move with much horizontal and vertical shifting.
- To cause something to twist or move in a spiral path or shape.
- To extract information or consent from someone.