The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 plus 4 letter word SOFT SOAP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
O
F
T
S
O
A
P
More clues leading to the result SOFT SOAP
- Cajolery frequently succeeded in ongoing saga
- Misconstrued as spot of persuasive flattery
- S Flattery frequently on board with pensioner
- Succeeded with a spot of moving flattery
- First to spot a spot of misguided flattery
- Flattery from gentle older citizen defending son
- Blarney from daft Eastenders?
- Flatter area in marshy, very quiet setting
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Flattery" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case flattery = soft soap.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 SOFT SOAP mean?
SOFT SOAP noun- Persuasion by means of flattery or pleasing words.
- To attempt to persuade by flattery or pleasing words; to butter up.