The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word NETS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
N
E
T
S
More clues leading to the result NETS
- Acquire small area for training bats?
- Catches in practice area
- Catches in preparation for cricket match
- 12 in place to practice for test
- Makes money from Cabernet Sauvignon
- Clears area for cricket practice
- Catches alien between poles
- Put up gun catches
- Practice offered by chamber works, ignoring opening number
- Cabinet Secretary's devices for catching creatures
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Catches" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case catches = nets.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 NETS mean?
NETS noun- A mesh of string, cord or rope.
- A device made from such mesh, used for catching fish, butterflies, etc.
- A device made from such mesh, generally used for trapping something.
- Anything that has the appearance of such a device.
- (by extension) A trap.
- Of a polyhedron, any set of polygons joined edge to edge that, when folded along the edges between adjoining polygons so that the outer edges touch, form the polyhedron.
- A system that interconnects a number of users, locations etc. allowing transport or communication between them.
- A framework backed by a mesh, serving as the goal in hockey, soccer, lacrosse, etc.
- A mesh stretched to divide the court in tennis, badminton, volleyball, etc.
- (by extension) The area of the court close to the net (mesh stretched to divide the court).
- To catch by means of a net.
- To catch in a trap, or by stratagem.
- To enclose or cover with a net.
- To score (a goal).
- To hit the ball into the net.
- To form network or netting; to knit.
- The amount remaining after expenses are deducted; profit.
- To receive as profit.
- To yield as profit for.
- To fully hedge a position.