The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 16 letter word ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE
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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 ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE mean?
ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE noun- Rough activity; fights
- An environment of rough activity
- A person who characteristically engages in such activity
- Engage in rough-and-tumble activity
- Active, vigorous and rough, with the possibility of harm
- Highly competitive