The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word EMPLOY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
M
P
L
O
Y
More clues leading to the result EMPLOY
- Use yours truly, backing stratagem
- Use English tactic trapping Frenchman
- Use polymer endlessly for remoulding
- Use ultimately effective ruse to frame Mike
- Exploit male pole dancing? Yes!
- Earl to mark device for use
- This writer set up device for exercise
- Hire Peto to come up with cunning plan
- Take on recruit
- Use my pole when dancing
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "use" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case use = employ.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 EMPLOY mean?
EMPLOY noun- The state of being an employee; employment.
- The act of employing someone or making use of something; employment.
- To hire (somebody for work or a job).
- To use (somebody for a job, or something for a task).
- To make busy.