Cryptic crossword clue
Some folders are found in tea after teabag malfunction 5-4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word LOOSE-LEAF

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Some folders" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case some folders = loose-leaf.
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 LOOSE-LEAF mean?

LOOSE-LEAF adjective
  1. (of a plant or a tea) that has loosely connected or separate leaves
LOOSE-LEAF adjective
  1. Consisting of loose leaves (pages), often collected in a binder, rather than being bound like a book or stapled.

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