The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word ETCH
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
E
T
C
H
More clues leading to the result ETCH
- Creature from outer space children design
- Make an impression, and so on, with husband
- Carve portion of brisket, chewy
- Cut with sharp instrument making you tetchy,avoiding outsiders
- Make an impression, and so on, with Head of History
- Cut climbing plant, not very short
- Carve sides of elegant church
- Treat with acid and the rest before hospital
- Create an impression in France and Switzerland
- Get less following cut
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Create an impression" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case create an impression = etch.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 ETCH mean?
ETCH verb- To cut into a surface with an acid or other corrosive substance in order to make a pattern. Best known as a technique for creating printing plates, but also used for decoration on metal, and, in modern industry, to make circuit boards.
- To engrave a surface.
- To make a lasting impression.
- To sketch; to delineate.
- An aftergrowth of grass (or other plants) which grows after it has been been mowed; also, a field of such growth.