The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word CANDIDATES
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result CANDIDATES
- Announced toffee-covered fruit possibilities
- Examinees worried by last of questions on unfinished novel
- Runners in open encountering a set back
- Potential MPs outspoken over unsettled seat
- Open seat, varied nominees
- Starts to call and issue appointments for applicants
- Frank, taking seat, disturbed those awaiting interview?
- Would-be politicians have blunt, sharing the last of it with girlfriends
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "would-be politicians" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case would-be politicians = candidates.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 CANDIDATES mean?
CANDIDATES noun- A person who is running in an election.
- A person who is applying for a job.
- A participant in an examination.
- Something or somebody that may be suitable.
- A gene which may play a role in a given disease.