The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word PUTT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
U
T
T
More clues leading to the result PUTT
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "to play a stroke" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case to play a stroke = putt.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 PUTT mean?
PUTT noun- The act of tapping a golf ball lightly on a putting green.
- To lightly strike a golf ball with a putter.
- A regular sound characterized by the sound of "putt putt putt putt...", such as made by some slowly stroking internal combustion engines.
- A motorcycle.
- To make a putting sound.
- To ride one's motorcycle, to go for a motorcycle ride.
- To move along slowly.
- To place something somewhere.
- To bring or set into a certain relation, state or condition.
- To exercise a put option.
- To express something in a certain manner.
- To throw a heavy iron ball, as a sport. (See shot put. Do not confuse with putt.)
- To steer; to direct one's course; to go.
- To play a card or a hand in the game called put.
- To attach or attribute; to assign.
- To lay down; to give up; to surrender.
- To set before one for judgment, acceptance, or rejection; to bring to the attention.
- To incite; to entice; to urge; to constrain; to oblige.
- To convey coal in the mine, as for example from the working to the tramway.