The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PARASITIC
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
P
A
R
A
S
I
T
I
C
More clues leading to the result PARASITIC
- In film, a rat is caught somehow feeding off other animals
- Soldier's one bloodsucker, mostly -- like this?
- Soldier thus hangs on to it like a leech
- Hanging on first article one included in funny script
- Freeloading artist with singular appeal, one protected by cover in retirement
- Exploiting equal like one totally left in charge
- Hammer raised while I finish off bloodsucker like a vampire
- Soldier needing rest, one about to become dependant on others
- Exploitative pose assumed by soldier in charge
- a I confirm you will be charged over constant scrounging
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "ike a leech" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ike a leech = parasitic.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 PARASITIC mean?
PARASITIC noun- A component of a circuit that does not show up in a circuit's schematic but does show up in the circuit's behavior.
- Of or pertaining to a biological or symbolic parasite.
- Drawing upon another organism for sustenance.
- Exploiting another for personal gain.