The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word USING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
U
S
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result USING
- Being an employer, thinking to dismiss 1000
- Deploying thought after losing millions
- Drawing on papyrus in Grecian exhibits
- University do a number on drugs
- Grass taken at university becomes addiction
- American in front of gallery getting on
- University sportswear let out for exercising
- Finding a place for octopus in gastronomic display
- Employing some devious ingenuity
- Availing oneself of an American gin sling
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Being an employer" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case being an employer = using.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 USING mean?
USING verb- To utilize or employ.
- To accustom; to habituate. (Now common only in participial form. Uses the same pronunciation as the noun; see usage notes.)
- (except in past tense) To habitually do; to be wont to do. (Now chiefly in past-tense forms; see used to.)
- To behave toward; to act with regard to; to treat.
- To behave, act, comport oneself.
- Use; utilization