The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 plus 1 plus 3 letter word TAKE A BOW
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
A
K
E
A
B
O
W
More clues leading to the result TAKE A BOW
- What some musicians do before and after concert?
- Acknowledge applause, and prepare to play perhaps
- Weak boat repaired? You did well!
- Carry advanced weapon: acknowledge those giving it up for you?
- Appropriate by a rostrum to acknowledge applause
- What violinist will do before and after performance
- Pick up a weapon and receive the applause
- You’ve done well: first violin lesson?
- What Archer may do before and after a successful performance
- What Cupid does to acknowledge cheers
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Acknowledge applause" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case acknowledge applause = take a bow.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.