The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ELEVATOR
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
E
L
E
V
A
T
O
R
More clues leading to the result ELEVATOR
- ... a lift to his opposite number?
- One way of getting to the top in say, Washington
- Lift to reveal flaps
- This, installed across the pond, to make flight optional?
- Lift a lever to reset
- Move a lever to get lift
- Something to raise European tax covered by the Spanish gold
- About to reveal what helps Americans get to the top
- Resort to a lever to provide lift
- I go up a hill following short French student
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "lift" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lift = elevator.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 ELEVATOR mean?
ELEVATOR noun- Anything that raises or uplifts.
- A permanent construction with a built-in platform that is lifted vertically, used to transport people and goods.
- A silo used for storing wheat, corn or other grain (grain elevator)
- A control surface of an aircraft responsible for controling the pitching motion of the machine.
- A dental instrument used to pry up ("elevate") teeth in difficult extractions, or depressed portions of bone.
- Any muscle that serves to raise a part of the body, such as the leg or the eye.
- A type of shoe having an insert lift to make the wearer appear taller.