The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word AWOL
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
W
O
L
More clues leading to the result AWOL
- Some follow assailant, backing off
- Missing in depressed area to the west
- Missing the end off a bolt
- Back in Galloway, having left without permission
- A worn-out old loco initially missing from station
- American wife over 50 having done a runner?
- One pack member whose tail’s gone missing
- Missing nothing in something boring
- Missing nothing in what can be boring
- Missing the odd woolly after second wash
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "having done a runner?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case having done a runner? = awol.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 AWOL mean?
AWOL noun- Absence without proper authority from the properly appointed place of duty, or from unit, organization, or other place of duty at which one is required to be at the time prescribed.
- A person who holds AWOL status.
- (generic) Somebody who is absent without permission.
- Someone or something missing.
- Absent without official leave (permission).