The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ABSTAIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
B
S
T
A
I
N
More clues leading to the result ABSTAIN
- Refuse a black mark
- Don’t put an X rating on the spot
- Pass a black spot
- Don’t put an X: it’s a black mark
- Ban Asti cocktail — don’t drink!
- Do without it, as ban involved
- Drunk sat in a skip has to leave booze alone
- Do not cross any politicians on election day!
- Keep away from type of blood spot
- Don’t vote for Arron Banks’ small-minded Tory arrant immigration nonsense, for starters
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Don’t put an X" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case don’t put an x = abstain.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 ABSTAIN mean?
ABSTAIN verb- Keep or withhold oneself.
- Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.
- Fast (not eat for a period).
- Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
- Hinder; keep back; withhold.