Cryptic crossword clue
Good antique piece of tableware initially declared secure 4-6

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word GOLD-PLATED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "secure" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case secure = gold-plated.
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 GOLD-PLATED mean?

GOLD-PLATED verb
  1. To apply gold plate to an object, to plate with gold.
  2. (of projects) To incorporate costly or otherwise excessive features or refinements unnecessarily, to overengineer.
  3. (of laws, regulations, etc) To embellish, to extend beyond its intended scope, especially so as to become stifling, or rigid and inflexible.
GOLD-PLATED adjective
  1. Having a thin layer of gold applied to the surface, often by electrolysis.
  2. (of projects, systems, etc.) Incorporating costly or otherwise excessive features or refinements unnecessarily; overengineered.
  3. (of laws, regulations, etc.) Embellished to excess, especially so as to be stifling, or rigid and inflexible.

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