The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MAUDLIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
A
U
D
L
I
N
More clues leading to the result MAUDLIN
- Sentimental woman gets nothing in return
- Girl getting nothing back, sorry for herself?
- Tearful end for England, lashed by savage batting
- Tearful girl left at home
- Soppy inconclusive former chancellor
- Emotional Broad at close lashed by savage batting
- Democrat in heavy defeat almost tearful
- Sentimental girl takes nothing back
- Mawkish girl left home
- cheesy Chancellor of yesteryear, no good at the end
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Tearful" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tearful = maudlin.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 MAUDLIN mean?
MAUDLIN noun- The Magdalene; Mary Magdalene.
- Either of two aromatic plants, costmary or sweet yarrow.
- A Magdalene house; a brothel.
- Affectionate or sentimental in an effusive, tearful, or foolish manner, especially because of drunkenness.
- Extravagantly or excessively sentimental; mawkish, self-pitying.
- Tearful, lachrymose.