The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CLOAKING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "hiding" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hiding = cloaking.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 CLOAKING mean?
CLOAKING verb- To cover as with a cloak.
- To hide or conceal.
- To render or become invisible via futuristic technology.
- The act of wrapping or covering with a cloak.
- The material from which cloaks are made.