The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SPADE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
P
A
D
E
More clues leading to the result SPADE
- Digger’s card
- Card, small, something to write on with energy
- Picked up sterilised tool
- Literary Dick, one in a black suit
- Solver as pack member
- Resort of French pack member
- American detective‘s notes on resort
- One in a suit has flat in the London area
- Jack or one of a dozen others getting accommodation in the Home Counties?
- Does this suit a gardener’s needs?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "American detective" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case american detective = spade.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 SPADE mean?
SPADE noun- A garden tool with a handle and a flat blade for digging. Not to be confused with a shovel which is used for moving earth or other materials.
- A playing card marked with the symbol ♠.
- A black person.
- A cutting instrument used in flensing a whale.
- To turn over soil with a spade to loosen the ground for planting.
- A hart or stag three years old.
- A castrated man or animal.