Cryptic crossword clue
Relations supporting sentence is an essential factor 9

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
L
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "an essential factor" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case an essential factor = lifeblood.
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 LIFEBLOOD mean?

LIFEBLOOD noun
  1. Blood that is needed for continued life; blood regarded as the seat of life.
  2. That which is required for continued existence or function.

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