Cryptic crossword clue
A figure heard in the van a while back

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word AFORE

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
F
O
R
E

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The straight part
We know that "in the van a while back" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in the van a while back = afore.
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 AFORE mean?

AFORE adverb
  1. Before.
  2. In the fore part of a ship.
AFORE preposition
  1. Before; in advance of the time of.
  2. Before; situated geographically or metaphorically in front of.
AFORE conjunction
  1. In advance of the time when; before.

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