The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SMOULDER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
M
O
U
L
D
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R
More clues leading to the result SMOULDER
- Sure old rogue’s carrying money to look sexy!
- Burn with very little smoke and turn to dust
- Burn unseen, as sculptor under sun
- Smoke joint when leading man replaces drug
- Almost burn top of strawberry crumble
- Burn slowly, soon beginning to turn to dust
- Son to go off and smoke
- Burn remains finally and turn to dust
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "look sexy!" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case look sexy! = smoulder.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 SMOULDER mean?
SMOULDER verb- To burn with no flame and little smoke.
- To show signs of repressed anger or suppressed mental turmoil or other strong emotion, such as passion.
- To exist in a suppressed or hidden state.
- Smoke; smother
- To smother; to suffocate; to choke.