Cryptic crossword clue
Retreat initially over cutting 75% of benefits for the poor 4-4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word HAVE-NOTS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
H
A
V
E
-
N
O
T
S

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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 HAVE-NOTS mean?

HAVE-NOTS noun
  1. The poor or underprivileged, contrasted with those who have possessions, power or wealth: the haves.

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