The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SKIMP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
K
I
M
P
More clues leading to the result SKIMP
- Don't spend penny on brush
- Stint as captain stretching over months
- Use minimal amount of special clothing for Ms Kardashian
- Embezzle pounds and save a few?
- Bound to hold money at first, spend less
- Miss out to save money might do this?
- Spare mobile’s thrown into waste container often
- Skirts with 50% off – politician’s cut back
- Enjoy sport with member
- Cut corners and speed-read page
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "spend less" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case spend less = skimp.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 SKIMP mean?
SKIMP verb- To mock, deride, scorn, scold, make fun of.
- A skimpy or insubstantial thing, especially a piece of clothing.
- (in the plural) Underwear.
- To slight; to do carelessly; to scamp.
- To make insufficient allowance for; to scant; to scrimp.
- To save; to be parsimonious or stingy.
- Scanty.