The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word LINGER
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
L
I
N
G
E
R
More clues leading to the result LINGER
- Hang around some cathedral in Germany
- Stay in Berlin, Germany
- Remain in appealing ermine
- Underwear that is going to stay on
- Wait with German in passenger ship
- Stop first of guards boarding ship
- Stay in hostel in Germany
- Delay departure of ship carrying German leader
- Remain behind border to protect German queen
- Hang about in ladies’ underwear that is not visible
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Delay departure of" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case delay departure of = linger.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 LINGER mean?
LINGER verb- To stay or remain in a place or situation, especially as if unwilling to depart or not easily able to do so; to loiter.
- To remain alive or existent although still proceeding toward death or extinction; to die gradually.
- (often followed by on) To consider or contemplate for a period of time; to engage in analytic thinking or discussion.