Cryptic crossword clue
Carve sides of elegant church 4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word ETCH

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
T
C
H


Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Carve" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case carve = etch.
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 ETCH mean?

ETCH verb
  1. To cut into a surface with an acid or other corrosive substance in order to make a pattern. Best known as a technique for creating printing plates, but also used for decoration on metal, and, in modern industry, to make circuit boards.
  2. To engrave a surface.
  3. To make a lasting impression.
  4. To sketch; to delineate.
ETCH noun
  1. An aftergrowth of grass (or other plants) which grows after it has been been mowed; also, a field of such growth.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations