Cryptic crossword clue
Severe restrictions result in shoot-out?

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PENALTIES

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "shoot-out?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shoot-out? = penalties.
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 PENALTIES mean?

PENALTIES noun
  1. A penalty shootout.
PENALTIES noun
  1. A legal sentence.
  2. A punishment for violating rules of procedure.
  3. A payment forfeited for an early withdrawal from an account or an investment.
  4. A direct free kick from the penalty spot, taken after a defensive foul in the penalty box; a penalty kick.
  5. A punishment for an infraction of the rules, often in the form of being removed from play for a specified amount of time.

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