What does the cryptic crossword clue "Miserable spell in economic decline (8)" mean?

The definition is "economic decline". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). DOWN (synonym="Miserable") + TURN (synonym="spell") = DOWNTURN; definition: "economic decline" The answer is DOWNTURN.

Miserable spell in economic decline (8)

Daily Mail Cryptic #16994 | 8 Down | 2022-12-21 flower

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