The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word DELIVER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
E
L
I
V
E
R
More clues leading to the result DELIVER
- Surrender vilified after retreat
- Drop off organ keys first
- Heading north, attacked to achieve rescue
- Food store with very short supply
- Hand, one held by digger
- Take back hated present
- . Denounced, rejected and free
- Provide daughter with electronic organ
- Free one who is oppressed by dues on a regular basis
- Produce vicar took back to food shop
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Free" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case free = deliver.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 DELIVER mean?
DELIVER verb- To set free from restraint or danger.
- (process) To do with birth.
- To free from or disburden of anything.
- To bring or transport something to its destination.
- To hand over or surrender (someone or something) to another.
- To produce what was expected or required.
- To express in words or vocalizations, declare, utter, or vocalize.
- To give forth in action or exercise; to discharge.
- To discover; to show.
- To admit; to allow to pass.
- To administer a drug.