Cryptic crossword clue
Problems beginning to double — if female is embracing religious sect, that is 12

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word DIFFICULTIES

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
I
F
F
I
C
U
L
T
I
E
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Problems" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case problems = difficulties.
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 DIFFICULTIES mean?

DIFFICULTIES noun
  1. A series of frustrations
DIFFICULTIES noun
  1. The state of being difficult, or hard to do.
  2. An obstacle that hinders achievement of a goal.
  3. (sometimes in the plural) Physical danger from the environment, especially with risk of drowning
  4. An objection.
  5. That which cannot be easily understood or believed.
  6. An awkward situation or quarrel.

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