The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word LEVER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
L
E
V
E
R
More clues leading to the result LEVER
- Reportedly one departing for bar
- Whirling around, party in bar
- It may be used to obtain a purchase
- Brilliant topless bar
- Always supporting Liberal — anything that can be used to gain an advantage
- Make merry around bar
- Force outcast to leave quietly for Vatican City
- This may be pivotal advice expressed by Cockney agony aunt?
- Pound to always exert force
- . Party raised the bar
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "anything that can be used to gain an advantage" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case anything that can be used to gain an advantage = lever.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 LEVER mean?
LEVER noun- (except in generalized senses below) A crowbar.
- A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; — used for transmitting and modifying force and motion.
- A small such piece to trigger or control a mechanical device (like a button).
- A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it.
- An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or to obtain motion from it.
- To move with a lever.
- To use, operate or move (something) like a lever (physically).
- To use (something) like a lever (in an abstract sense).
- To increase the share of debt in the capitalization of a business.
- Rather.
- A levee.