The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word LOCKSMITH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
L
O
C
K
S
M
I
T
H
More clues leading to the result LOCKSMITH
- Bit of a shock, economist’s solution to key problem
- Jams with German hotel’s key worker?
- Specialist in stopping admissions?
- Security person with hairy bits at the front of University Hospital
- England cricketers Tony and Robin, the opener
- Security expert: hairdresser, quite possibly?
- Philosopher cited before economist as specialist in security?
- Security expert‘s hair thing that’s not real, by all accounts
- Door man — or hairdresser?
- Bolt’s fast — thanks to him?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "key specialist" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case key specialist = locksmith.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 LOCKSMITH mean?
LOCKSMITH noun- One who practices locksmithing
- Someone who only bets when they are sure they will win