Cryptic crossword clue
Surprised-looking writer encountering “trap” in dictionary 4-7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word OPEN-MOUTHED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
O
P
E
N
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M
O
U
T
H
E
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Surprised-looking" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case surprised-looking = open-mouthed.
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 OPEN-MOUTHED mean?

OPEN-MOUTHED adjective
  1. Talkative, speaking freely.
  2. With the mouth open.
  3. Gaping in surprise, wonder or astonishment.

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