Cryptic crossword clue
Quiet period back on terra firma depresses child

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word OFF-SEASON

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Quiet period" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case quiet period = off-season.
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 OFF-SEASON mean?

OFF-SEASON noun
  1. That part of the year when business is most slack and there are fewest clients or visitors
  2. Period of time when regular competitions are not being held, or when an athlete is not participating in competitions.

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