Cryptic crossword clue
Rookie drops out of air travel to get gin cocktail for battle 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word FIGHTING

F
I
G
H
T
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "battle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case battle = fighting.
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 FIGHTING mean?

FIGHTING verb
  1. To contend in physical conflict, either singly or in war, battle etc.
  2. To contend in physical conflict with each other, either singly or in war, battle etc.
  3. To strive for something; to campaign or contend for success.
  4. To conduct or engage in (battle, warfare etc.).
  5. To engage in combat with; to oppose physically, to contest with.
  6. To try to overpower; to fiercely counteract.
  7. To cause to fight; to manage or manoeuvre in a fight.
  8. Of colours or other design elements: to clash; to fail to harmonize.
FIGHTING adjective
  1. Engaged in war or other conflict.
  2. Apt to provoke a fight.
FIGHTING noun
  1. The act or process of contending; violence or conflict.
  2. A fight or battle; an occasion on which people fight

Latest crossword clues with full explanations