The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word DESERVE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
E
S
E
R
V
E
More clues leading to the result DESERVE
- Merit of newspaperman about to join army
- Show one is worthy to leave the army?
- Earn and save to blow capital on daughter
- Win diamonds, West’s partner with ace, perhaps
- Be entitled to leave — time to go’s half five
- Detective lacks heart to present warrant
- Be entitled to see very red after reorganisation
- Sowing of seed before wild party without a merit
- Warrant cards finally found in grass over towards the centre of Staveley
- Be entitled to first shot after interlude ends
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Earn" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case earn = deserve.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 DESERVE mean?
DESERVE verb- To be entitled to, as a result of past actions; to be worthy to have.
- To earn, win.
- To reward, to give in return for service.
- To serve; to treat; to benefit.