The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BIRDLIME
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
B
I
R
D
L
I
M
E
Buddy explains!
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 BIRDLIME mean?
BIRDLIME noun- A sticky substance smeared on branches to catch birds.
- (rhyming slang) Time; a jail term, the serving of a prison sentence.
- To add birdlime to.