Cryptic crossword clue
Understanding why we need a compass 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word FORBEARING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
F
O
R
B
E
A
R
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Understanding" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case understanding = forbearing.
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 FORBEARING mean?

FORBEARING noun
  1. Forbearance; restraint
FORBEARING verb
  1. To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from.
  2. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
  3. To refuse; to decline; to withsay; to unheed.
  4. To control oneself when provoked.
FORBEARING adjective
  1. Characterized by patience and indulgence; long-suffering

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