The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word RUSES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
U
S
E
S
More clues leading to the result RUSES
- Beatle's back in USSR, playing tricks
- Cunning plans soldier finally employs
- Schemes king or queen employs
- Misleading plans Republican puts into action
- Tricks and exploits overseen by king
- Plans right employment laws at last
- Disregarded by her, he resorts to tricks
- Tricks husband out of original prints
- Tricks new users
- Ultimately swindler employs tricks
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "tricks" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tricks = ruses.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 RUSES mean?
RUSES noun- A turning or doubling back, especially of animals to get out of the way of hunting dogs.
- (by extension) An action intended to deceive; a trick.
- Cunning, guile, trickery.