The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word NEPOTISM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
N
E
P
O
T
I
S
M
More clues leading to the result NEPOTISM
- Jobs for the boys, to stop mine running wild
- What might get me in post corruptly?
- Taking on family over claims it openly admits
- Keeping it in the family, a little stone pot is mine
- Partiality gets me in post improperly
- Wicked postmen covering up setter’s favouritism
- Looking after one’s own spot – and mine, unfortunately
- I stop men improperly showing preference for family
- Tim opens complex with jobs for all the family
- Work practice that’s relatively favourable
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Taking on family" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case taking on family = nepotism.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 NEPOTISM mean?
NEPOTISM noun- The favoring of relatives or personal friends because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities.