The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PHRASING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "use of exact words used in expressing a thought" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case use of exact words used in expressing a thought = phrasing.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 PHRASING mean?
PHRASING verb- To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of particular words.
- To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
- To divide into melodic phrases.
- The way a statement is put together, particularly in matters of style and word choice.
- The way the musical phrases are put together in a composition or in its interpretation, with changes in tempo, volume, or emphasizing one or more instruments over others.