The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SWINGING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "rakish" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rakish = swinging.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 SWINGING mean?
SWINGING verb- To rotate about an off-centre fixed point.
- To dance.
- To ride on a swing.
- To participate in the swinging lifestyle; to participate in wife-swapping.
- To hang from the gallows.
- (of a ball) to move sideways in its trajectory.
- To fluctuate or change.
- To move (an object) backward and forward; to wave.
- To change (a numerical result); especially to change the outcome of an election.
- To make (something) work; especially to afford (something) financially.
- To play notes that are in pairs by making the first of the pair slightly longer than written (augmentation) and the second shorter, resulting in a bouncy, uneven rhythm.
- (of a bowler) to make the ball move sideways in its trajectory.
- To move one's arm in a punching motion.
- In dancing, to turn around in a small circle with one's partner, holding hands or arms.
- To admit or turn something for the purpose of shaping it; said of a lathe.
- To put (a door, gate, etc.) on hinges so that it can swing or turn.
- To turn round by action of wind or tide when at anchor.
- Huge, immense.
- Heavy, powerful, scathing.
- The act or motion of that which swings.
- An activity where couples engage in sexual activity with different partners.
- Fine, good, successful.