Cryptic crossword clue
Support hawk, we hear — then issue retraction 4-5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word BACK-PEDAL

B
A
C
K
-
P
E
D
A
L

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "issue retraction" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case issue retraction = back-pedal.
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 BACK-PEDAL mean?

BACK-PEDAL verb
  1. To pedal backwards on a bicycle.
  2. To step backwards.
  3. To distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement; back off from an idea.

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