Cryptic crossword clue
Costly ducks 4

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
E
A
R

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Costly/ducks" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case costly/ducks = dear.
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 DEAR mean?

DEAR noun
  1. A very kind, loving person.
  2. A beloved person.
  3. An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.
DEAR verb
  1. To endear.
DEAR adjective
  1. High in price; expensive.
  2. Loved; lovable.
  3. Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
  4. Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
  5. A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.
  6. A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.
  7. An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.
  8. Noble.
DEAR adverb
  1. Dearly; at a high price
DEAR adjective
  1. Severe, or severely affected; sore.
  2. Fierce.

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