Cryptic crossword clue
Sanctions a very quiet ramble first thing on Sunday 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
A
P
P
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S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Sanctions" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sanctions = approves.
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 APPROVES mean?

APPROVES verb
  1. To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm; to set as satisfactory.
  2. To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of.
  3. To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.
  4. (followed by "of") To consider worthy (to); to be pleased (with); to accept.
  5. To show to be worthy; to demonstrate the merits of.
APPROVES verb
  1. (English law) To make profit of; to convert to one's own profit — said especially of waste or common land appropriated by the lord of the manor.

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