The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word REVENGE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
E
V
E
N
G
E
More clues leading to the result REVENGE
- Nemesis rising, for example, over my dead body
- For instance, certainly not turning over what should be cooled before serving?
- Retaliation, say, not uprising
- Under no circumstances say each word back in retaliation
- Press the accelerator— that’s sweet!
- Apparently sweet thing in mother, even gentler
- Fresh green veg chopped into cold dish, ideally
- An eye for an eye, say — not for turning
- Retribution say, at no time promoted
- In anger, even getting satisfaction
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "retaliation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case retaliation = revenge.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 REVENGE mean?
REVENGE noun- Any form of personal retaliatory action against an individual, institution, or group for some alleged or perceived harm or injustice.
- A win by a previous loser.
- To take revenge for (a particular harmful action) or on behalf of (its victim); to avenge.
- To take one's revenge (on or upon someone).
- To take vengeance; to revenge itself.