Cryptic crossword clue
Unconsciously reactive idiot, following bender 4-4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word KNEE-JERK

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
K
N
E
E
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J
E
R
K

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Unconsciously reactive" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case unconsciously reactive = knee-jerk.
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 KNEE-JERK mean?

KNEE-JERK noun
  1. A sudden reflexive movement of the leg below the knee, as a reaction to a tap to the tendon just below the patella (kneecap).
KNEE-JERK adjective
  1. Unthinking, not carefully considered, (nearly) automatic, spontaneous, easily predictable

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