The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word PLAY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
L
A
Y
More clues leading to the result PLAY
- Under pressure, abandon vital game
- Perform song on piano
- But it's a dramatic work!
- Work steadily, hosting a performance
- Work interrupted by a sport
- Show tolerance
- Spend money to secure Lessing’s first dramatic work
- Beg to swap sides for fun
- Remit to embrace latitude and freedom of movement
- Work to bring in a drama
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "E.g. 22/take part in a game" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case e.g. 22/take part in a game = play.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 PLAY mean?
PLAY noun- Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
- Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
- The conduct, or course, of a game.
- An individual's performance in a sport or game.
- A short sequence of action within a game.
- (turn-based games) An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
- A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
- A theatrical performance featuring actors.
- A major move by a business or investor.
- A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
- The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely.
- Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.
- An instance of watching or listening to digital media.
- A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
- (now usually in compounds) Activity relating to martial combat or fighting.
- To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
- To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
- To take part in amorous activity; to make love.
- To act as the indicated role, especially in a performance.
- (heading) To produce music or theatre.
- (heading) To behave in a particular way.
- To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate.
- To move to and fro.
- To put in action or motion.
- To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
- To manipulate, deceive, or swindle someone.