The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STRIKERS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
R
I
K
E
R
S
More clues leading to the result STRIKERS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "They’re in/they’re out" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they’re in/they’re out = strikers.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 STRIKERS mean?
STRIKERS noun- An individual who is on strike.
- Someone or something that hits someone or something else.
- One of the players on a team in football (soccer) in the row nearest to the opposing team's goal, who are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals.
- An officer's servant or orderly.
- (1800s) The batter.
- The batsman who is currently facing the bowler and defending his wicket.
- A harpoon.
- A harpooner.
- An inexperienced member of a ship's crew.
- A wencher; a lewd man.
- A blackmailer in politics.
- One whose political influence can be bought.