The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word WINCE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
I
N
C
E
More clues leading to the result WINCE
- Secure ends of cable and start back
- Shrink from cold, tucking into some alcohol
- Start with a victory before the City comeback?
- Flinch from overflow in cesspit
- Get chancellor of the exchequer to pull a face
- Draw back from alcoholic drink, having caught cold
- Get the better of church shrink
- Show sharp reaction to profits, they say
- Holding cup, drink and grimace
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Flinch" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case flinch = wince.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 WINCE mean?
WINCE noun- A sudden movement or gesture of shrinking away.
- A reel used in dyeing, steeping, or washing cloth; a winch. It is placed over the division wall between two wince pits so as to allow the cloth to descend into either compartment at will.
- To flinch as if in pain or distress.
- To wash (cloth), dip it in dye, etc., with the use of a wince.
- To kick or flounce when unsteady or impatient.