The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word GUIDELINES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result GUIDELINES
- Female in uniform given old-fashioned punishment for making suggestions
- Cut inside leg to get around uniform rules
- Courier reinforces instructions
- Standards set for future performance worried idle genius
- Genius lied about principles
- Manual trades’ criteria?
- Pieces of advice given by escorts about crocodile
- Spreading glue inside frameworks
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Standards set for future performance" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case standards set for future performance = guidelines.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 GUIDELINES mean?
GUIDELINES noun- A non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behaviour.
- A plan or explanation to guide one in setting standards or determining a course of action.
- A light line, used in lettering, to help align the text.