The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TREADING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
T
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A
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More clues leading to the result TREADING
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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 TREADING mean?
TREADING verb- To step or walk (on or over something); to trample.
- To step or walk upon.
- To beat or press with the feet.
- To go through or accomplish by walking, dancing, etc.
- To crush under the foot; to trample in contempt or hatred; to subdue.
- To copulate; said of (especially male) birds.
- (of a male bird) To copulate with.
- The act of one who treads.