Could star end up with Democrat being left high and dry (8)
I believe the answer is:
stranded
'left high and dry' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'could star end up with democrat' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'star' is 'stra' which is within the answer.
an anagram of 'end' is 'nde' which is within the answer.
'democrat' could be 'd' and 'd' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'being' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stranded that I've seen before include "Like rope" , "Abandoned or deserted - on beach" , "Left high and dry, deserted" , "'Cut off, marooned (8)'" , "Left aground on a shore" .)