The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word EON
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
O
N
More clues leading to the result EON
- European broadcasting for a very long time
- Renown oddly ignored for long time
- Time for Beano editor to show up
- Engine originally in operation for a very long time
- Heroin regularly taken for a very long time
- The age of Homer? Not half.
- Long time no see — finally turned up
- A cycling period
- Magnate once guarded a very long time
- A long time, but Christmas is almost over
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "a very long time" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a very long time = eon.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 EON mean?
EON noun- Eternity.
- A period of 1,000,000,000 years.
- The longest time period used in geology.
- A long period of time.
- (usually spelled aeon or æon) A spirit being emanating from the Godhead.