The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word AWAIT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
W
A
I
T
More clues leading to the result AWAIT
- Expect to be away briefly at computer study
- Look forward to a Joker, accepting amswer
- Expect article will be penned by a comedian
- Anticipate a burden being picked up
- Expect answers when buttonholing head of intelligence
- Figure on a small island drinks whisky
- Expect a delay
- Expect a humorist to collect top award
- Look for athletic power we hear
- Expect a load to be picked up
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Expect" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case expect = await.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 AWAIT mean?
AWAIT noun- A waiting for; ambush.
- Watching, watchfulness, suspicious observation.
- To wait for.
- To expect.
- To be in store for; to be ready or in waiting for.
- To serve or attend; to wait on, wait upon.
- To watch, observe.
- To wait; to stay in waiting.