The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word NAME-DROP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
N
A
M
E
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D
R
O
P
More clues leading to the result NAME-DROP
- Try and obtain leverage with a handle?
- Trying to impress improperly? Pardon me!
- Leave out label initially as an act of snobbery
- Brag about connections to get kinky porn made
- Seek to impress. Learn, turning to Lear perhaps?
- Somehow pardon inspiring setter’s talk about personal connection with Ximenes, perhaps?
- . Imply importance by association with titled relations, mainly at work
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Trying to impress" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case trying to impress = name-drop.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 NAME-DROP mean?
NAME-DROP verb- To casually mention a well-known or illustrious person or the titles of their works, often implying familiarity or association, especially in order to impress others, increase one's status, or to appear knowledgeable or fashionable.