Cryptic crossword clue
Unusual strain on defender of the status quo that’s not permanent 10

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "that’s not permanent" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that’s not permanent = transitory.
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 TRANSITORY mean?

TRANSITORY adjective
  1. Lasting only a short time; temporary.
  2. Of an action: that may be brought in any county

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