The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TONIGHT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
T
O
N
I
G
H
T
More clues leading to the result TONIGHT
- Child’s brought in near the end of today
- Mean to entertain cricket side in the near future?
- Drunk goes around talking about this evening
- Very soon on, outwardly tense
- Firm keeps running when we’ll be asleep
- This evening firm will restrict working!
- Little ‘un to hold close later, at bedtime
- Count keeps close to number
- Soon on, stretched bandages
- Toddler hides nearby when it’s due to get dark
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "number" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case number = tonight.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 TONIGHT mean?
TONIGHT noun- The nighttime of the current day or date; this night.
- During the night following the current day.
- Last night.