Cryptic crossword clue
Using a comb is challenging 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word HACKLING

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Using a comb/challenging" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case using a comb/challenging = hackling.
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 HACKLING mean?

HACKLING verb
  1. To dress (flax or hemp) with a hackle; to prepare fibres of flax or hemp for spinning.
  2. To separate, as the coarse part of flax or hemp from the fine, by drawing it through the teeth of a hackle or hatchel.
  3. To tear asunder; to break into pieces.

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