The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STEALING
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
T
E
A
L
I
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G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Taking" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case taking = stealing.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 STEALING mean?
STEALING verb- To take illegally, or without the owner's permission, something owned by someone else.
- (of ideas, words, music, a look, credit, etc.) To appropriate without giving credit or acknowledgement.
- To get or effect surreptitiously or artfully.
- To acquire at a low price.
- To draw attention unexpectedly in (an entertainment), especially by being the outstanding performer. Usually used in the phrase steal the show.
- To move silently or secretly.
- To convey (something) clandestinely.
- To withdraw or convey (oneself) clandestinely.
- To advance safely to (another base) during the delivery of a pitch, without the aid of a hit, walk, passed ball, wild pitch, or defensive indifference.
- To dispossess
- To borrow for a short moment.
- The action of the verb to steal, theft.
- (chiefly in the plural) That which is stolen; stolen property.