Cryptic crossword clue
Returning soldiers will be having an undesired effect 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word BACKFIRING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
B
A
C
K
F
I
R
I
N
G

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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 BACKFIRING mean?

BACKFIRING verb
  1. (of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel.
  2. (of an engine) To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound.
  3. To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.
BACKFIRING noun
  1. A failure that leads to further misfortune.

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