The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SCUTTLES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
C
U
T
T
L
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S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Sinks" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sinks = scuttles.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 SCUTTLES mean?
SCUTTLES noun- A container like an open bucket (usually to hold and carry coal).
- A broad, shallow basket.
- A dish, platter or a trencher.
- A small hatch or opening in a boat. Also, small opening in a boat or ship for draining water from open deck.
- A hatch that provides access to the roof from the interior of a building.
- To cut a hole or holes through the bottom, deck, or sides of (as of a ship), for any purpose.
- To deliberately sink one's ship or boat by any means, usually by order of the vessel's commander or owner.
- (by extension, in figurative use) Undermine or thwart oneself (sometimes intentionally), or denigrate or destroy one's position or property; compare scupper.
- A quick pace; a short run.
- To move hastily, to scurry.