The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word RINSE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
I
N
S
E
More clues leading to the result RINSE
- Wash first of nightclothes in advance
- Get up around noon to wash
- Lightly wash back of cooker in quarters
- Hair preparation used by hairdresser in secret
- Get up around noon and wash
- Wash some gear in secret
- Wash out bottom of basin during getting-up process
- Frailnesses regularly hidden; hairdresser might suggest one
- Tint from crimper in Sevenoaks
- Get rid of soap character in sexy clothes
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "wash" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case wash = rinse.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 RINSE mean?
RINSE noun- The action of rinsing.
- A liquid used to rinse, now particularly a hair dye.
- To wash (something) quickly using water and no soap.
- To remove soap from (something) using water.
- To thoroughly defeat in an argument, fight or other competition.