The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ALLEGORIES
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they’re to be read symbolically" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they’re to be read symbolically = allegories.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 ALLEGORIES mean?
ALLEGORIES noun- The representation of abstract principles by characters or figures.
- A picture, book, or other form of communication using such representation.
- A symbolic representation which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, usually a moral or political one.
- A category that retains some of the structure of the category of binary relations between sets, representing a high-level generalisation of that category.