Cryptic crossword clue
Strained to spy dance with a certain rhythm 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word SYNCOPATED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "a certain rhythm" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a certain rhythm = syncopated.
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 SYNCOPATED mean?

SYNCOPATED verb
  1. To omit a vocalic or consonantal sound or a syllable from a word; to use syncope
  2. To stress or accentuate the weak beat of a rhythm; to use syncopation
SYNCOPATED adjective
  1. (grammar) of a word, shortened by syncope
  2. Of a rhythm, modified by syncopation

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