Cryptic crossword clue
Catches criminal, earns bonus at last 6

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SNARES

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
N
A
R
E
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Catches/Catches" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case catches/catches = snares.
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 SNARES mean?

SNARES noun
  1. A trap (especially one made from a loop of wire, string, or leather).
  2. A mental or psychological trap.
  3. A loop of cord used in obstetric cases, to hold or to pull a fetus from the mother animal.
  4. A similar looped instrument formerly used to remove tumours etc.
  5. A set of stiff wires held under tension against the lower skin of a drum to create a rattling sound.
  6. A snare drum.
SNARES verb
  1. To catch or hold, especially with a loop.
  2. To ensnare.

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