The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word EXPLOIT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
E
X
P
L
O
I
T
More clues leading to the result EXPLOIT
- Lover once and I getting in bed? It's a bold act
- Retired flier delaying one achievement
- Daring act one found in old story
- Take advantage of former plan to tour India
- Way out involving Apollo, disregarding odds? A feat!
- Former member of RAF moving one’s milk
- Use trade fair to showcase large computer systems
- . Plan no longer includes current use
- Abuse former flier, one somewhat depressed?
- Old conspiracy protecting one creating abuse …
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Abuse" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case abuse = exploit.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 EXPLOIT mean?
EXPLOIT noun- A heroic or extraordinary deed.
- An achievement.
- A program or technique that exploits a vulnerability in other software.
- To use for one’s own advantage.
- To forcibly deprive someone of something to which she or he has a natural right.