The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RETREATED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
E
T
R
E
A
T
E
D
More clues leading to the result RETREATED
- Withdrew and negotiated again
- Went back and dealt with issue again
- Turned back to be in Paris after end of October
- Went back to pay for drug, though owing money
- Withdrew to be given therapy again?
- Doctor in a rush, went back
- Went back and administered therapy again
- Withdrew soldiers given medical attention?
- Went back and bought another round
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Withdrew" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case withdrew = retreated.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 RETREATED mean?
RETREATED verb- To treat or deal with (a topic) again or differently.
- To apply treatment to (an injury, a surface, etc.) again
- To withdraw from a position, go back.
- (of a glacier) To shrink back due to generally warmer temperatures.
- To slope back.