Cryptic crossword clue
Essential to end Aretha’s challenge 4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word DARE

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
A
R
E


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The straight part
We know that "challenge" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case challenge = dare.
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 DARE mean?

DARE noun
  1. A challenge to prove courage.
  2. The quality of daring; venturesomeness; boldness.
  3. Defiance; challenge.
DARE verb
  1. To have enough courage (to do something).
  2. To defy or challenge (someone to do something)
  3. To have enough courage to meet or do something, go somewhere, etc.; to face up to
  4. To terrify; to daunt.
  5. To catch (larks) by producing terror through the use of mirrors, scarlet cloth, a hawk, etc., so that they lie still till a net is thrown over them.
DARE verb
  1. To stare stupidly or vacantly; to gaze as though amazed or terrified.
  2. To lie or crouch down in fear.
DARE noun
  1. A small fish, the dace.

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