The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word HARRUMPH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
H
A
R
R
U
M
P
H
More clues leading to the result HARRUMPH
- Sound dissatisfied? Cheer up as policeman comes in
- Expression of dissatisfaction as resources initially cut in hospitals
- In retrospect, ‘sound of approval’ politician claimed? It’s a sound of disapproval
- Rising cheer welcoming politician’s preparation to speak
- Sound grumpy when a right ass is allowed into hotels
- Natural boxer cut on the bottom beginning to hurt, giving grunt
- Make disapproving sound as a bishop stuck in lift getting hot
- Expression of discontent arrives in sulk before start of holidays
- Mostly annoy university representative, hard to disapprove
- Mostly firm rear — hard to express disapproval!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "preparation to speak" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case preparation to speak = harrumph.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 HARRUMPH mean?
HARRUMPH noun- An expression of disdain, disbelief, protest, or dismissal; a huff, grunt, or snort.
- To dislike, protest, or dismiss.
- An expression of disdain, disbelief, protest, refusal or dismissal.