The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word FIGURATIVE
F
I
G
U
R
A
T
I
V
E
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Symbolic" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case symbolic = figurative.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 FIGURATIVE mean?
FIGURATIVE adjective- Of use as a metaphor, simile, or metonym, as opposed to literal; using figures; as when saying that someone who eats more than they should is a pig or like a pig.
- Metaphorically so called.
- With many figures of speech.
- Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative
- Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.