Cryptic crossword clue
To be off the track could be deadlier 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DERAILED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
E
R
A
I
L
E
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "off the track" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case off the track = derailed.
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 DERAILED mean?

DERAILED verb
  1. To cause to come off the tracks.
  2. To come off the tracks.
  3. To deviate from the previous course or direction.
  4. To cause to deviate from a set course or direction; derange.

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