The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word USURP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
U
S
U
R
P
More clues leading to the result USURP
- Central parts of industry reassuringly, and quietly, appropriate
- Supplant head of union by surprise? Not half!
- Assume moneylending will succumb ultimately to pressure
- Almost certain to break up – that’s appropriate
- Union raise matter about manager behind take over
- Seize chateau at last by surprise? Not half!
- Seize American lawman, say
- 23 Unjustly take hold of American with “university” accent
- Assume America in revolt with Republican getting in
- Take over American university vacant readership
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "appropriate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case appropriate = usurp.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 USURP mean?
USURP verb- To seize power from another, usually by illegitimate means.
- To use and assume the coat of arms of another person.
- To take the place rightfully belonging to someone or something else.
- To make use of.