Cryptic crossword clue
Violinist without upright character is harder to handle 8

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

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

The straight part
We know that "harder to handle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case harder to handle = fiddlier.
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.

Crossword Answer definitions

FIDDLIER adjective
  1. Requiring dexterity to operate.
  2. (by extension) Having many small bits or embellishments.
  3. Of or relating to fiddling or fidgeting.
  4. Pertaining to occasional under-the-table work by people who receive unemployment benefits

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