The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word WHILST
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
H
I
L
S
T
More clues leading to the result WHILST
- All the time that's left in game
- During the time that learner gets into card game
- As starter for lunch, tucked into game at table
- At the same time as beginner disrupts card game
- Libyan leader enters game at the same time
- At the same time that learner enters game
- In the meantime we have basic list though not alphabetical
- As long as left in the game
- Although learner, participating in game of cards
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "At the same time" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case at the same time = whilst.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 WHILST mean?
WHILST conjunction- (rare or literary in North America) While, at the same time.