The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DEFLECTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
E
F
L
E
C
T
S
More clues leading to the result DEFLECTS
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Turns aside" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case turns aside = deflects.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 DEFLECTS mean?
DEFLECTS verb- To make (something) deviate from its original path.
- (ball games) To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
- To deviate from its original path.
- To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
- To divert (attention, etc.).