The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word FLOPPED
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "were useless" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case were useless = flopped.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 FLOPPED mean?
FLOPPED verb- To fall heavily due to lack of energy.
- To cause to drop heavily.
- To fail completely; not to be successful at all (of a movie, play, book, song etc.).
- To pretend to be fouled in sports, such as basketball, hockey (the same as to dive in soccer)
- To strike about with something broad and flat, as a fish with its tail, or a bird with its wings; to rise and fall; to flap.
- To have (a hand) using the community cards dealt on the flop.
- To stay, sleep or live in a place.