Cryptic crossword clue
Former partner faithfully guarding son, four, like a rock? 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EXTRUSIVE

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
X
T
R
U
S
I
V
E

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "like a rock" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case like a rock = extrusive.
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 EXTRUSIVE mean?

EXTRUSIVE noun
  1. Rock which has been formed through volcanic extrusion.
EXTRUSIVE adjective
  1. Jutting out; extruding.
  2. Of rocks: forced, while in a plastic or molten state, on to the Earth's surface to lie atop existing rocks.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations