The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SURVIVOR
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More clues leading to the result SURVIVOR
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "one who makes it" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one who makes it = survivor.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 SURVIVOR mean?
SURVIVOR noun- One who survives, especially one who survives a traumatic experience.
- A person who is able to endure hardship.
- One who knew a specific decedent.