The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word METRE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
E
T
R
E
More clues leading to the result METRE
- Satisfied about pattern of stress
- Alignment of feet determines such a distance
- Distance Tory leader goes into pond
- Home treatment offers this measure
- Time in simple measure
- Characteristic of feet as measure of length
- Measure the setter's unfinished growth
- Satisfied about poetic rhythm
- Time to probe simple way of classifying verse
- Satisfied concerning poet’s rhythm
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Distance" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case distance = metre.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 METRE mean?
METRE verb- To measure with a metering device.
- To imprint a postage mark with a postage meter.
- To regulate the flow of or to deliver in regulated amounts (usually of fluids but sometimes of other things such as anticipation or breath).
- The basic unit of length in the International System of Units (SI: Système International d'Unités), equal to the distance travelled by light in a vacuum in 1/299 792 458 seconds. The metre is equal to 39 47/127 (approximately 39.37) imperial inches.
- The rhythm or measure in verse and musical composition.
- To put into metrical form.