Cryptic crossword clue
Dilatory sailor on duty cleared out 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word TARDY

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
A
R
D
Y

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Dilatory" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dilatory = tardy.
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 TARDY mean?

TARDY noun
  1. A piece of paper given to students who are late to class.
  2. An instance of a student being marked as tardy by a teacher in his or her attendance sheet.
TARDY verb
  1. To make tardy.
TARDY adjective
  1. Late; overdue or delayed.
  2. Moving with a slow pace or motion; not swift.
  3. Ineffectual; slow-witted, slow to act, or dull.
  4. Unwary; unready (especially in the phrase take (someone) tardy).
  5. Criminal; guilty.

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