The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ESCALATOR
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
E
S
C
A
L
A
T
O
R
More clues leading to the result ESCALATOR
- Endless series of steps to get to the next level
- Criminal stole a car — it gets things moving
- Steps taken automatically to seal car off
- Lost a race unfortunately – that can get you down
- Moving crates, also moving steps
- Clear as to changes in a cost of living clause?
- A lost race, wandering, has its ups and downs
- Cycling, climb a little hill in endless series of steps
- How to get a rise in 13 — send list up to Alec’s for correction
- Non-stop passenger-carrying flight
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Steps taken automatically" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case steps taken automatically = escalator.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 ESCALATOR mean?
ESCALATOR noun- Anything that escalates.
- A motor-driven mechanical device consisting of a continuous loop of steps that automatically conveys people from one floor to another.
- An upward or progressive course.
- An escalator clause.