Cryptic crossword clue
Running into bar during finale, penniless 12

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word ENCOUNTERING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
N
C
O
U
N
T
E
R
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "R/unning into" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case r/unning into = encountering.
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 ENCOUNTERING mean?

ENCOUNTERING verb
  1. To meet (someone) or find (something), especially unexpectedly.
  2. To confront (someone or something) face to face.
  3. To engage in conflict, as with an enemy.
ENCOUNTERING noun
  1. An encounter; a meeting.

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