Cryptic crossword clue
Ran, directed outside summer shows 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word LADDERED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
L
A
D
D
E
R
E
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Ran" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ran = laddered.
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 LADDERED mean?

LADDERED verb
  1. To arrange or form into a shape of a ladder.
  2. To ascend (a building, a wall, etc.) using a ladder.
  3. Of a knitted garment: to develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread.
LADDERED adjective
  1. (of tights, stockings, etc) Having a ladder in them.

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