The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word STRATEGIC
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
More clues leading to the result STRATEGIC
- . Important to have desserts back, say, ices with 50 per cent off
- With a clear plan of attack, tiger cats scattered
- Calculated harm to banning e-cigarettes
- Sort of weapons I secure in wagons heading for the West
- Resistance in Texas, say, by US soldier, cold and calculated
- Calculated target is off by hundred
- Critical for the Oriental to quit smoking cigarettes
- Resistance in territory by soldier, cold and calculated
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "With a clear plan of attack" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case with a clear plan of attack = strategic.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 STRATEGIC mean?
STRATEGIC adjective- Of or pertaining to strategy