The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word VACATIONS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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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 VACATIONS mean?
VACATIONS noun- Freedom from some business or activity.
- Free time given over to a specific purpose; occupation, activity.
- A period during which official activity or business is formally suspended; an official holiday from university, law courts etc.
- A holiday; a stretch of leisure time away from work or duty and devoted to rest or pleasure.
- The act of vacating something; moving out.
- The act of making legally void.
- To spend or take a vacation.