The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ENCOURAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
N
C
O
U
R
A
G
E
More clues leading to the result ENCOURAGE
- No cure sadly — time to offer support
- To buck up rogue, cane ordered
- Anger about half-cousin getting boost
- Stir up anger about stratagem that finally failed
- Support train loses time taking 100 aboard
- Cheer on cue stirring passion
- Urge limits to exaggeration about how old we are
- Motivate staff caught for time
- Goad ounce that’s wild with anger
- Incite blow almost in anger
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "To buck up" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case to buck up = encourage.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 ENCOURAGE mean?
ENCOURAGE verb- To mentally support; to motivate, give courage, hope or spirit.
- To spur on, strongly recommend.
- To foster, give help or patronage