Cryptic crossword clue
Hooligans may be good kept in like this 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word THUGS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
T
H
U
G
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Hooligans" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hooligans = thugs.
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 THUGS mean?

THUGS noun
  1. Someone with an intimidating and unseemly appearance and mannerisms, who treats others violently and roughly, often for hire.
  2. One of a band of assassins formerly active in northern India who worshipped Kali and offered their victims to her.
  3. In gardening, an over-vigorous plant that spreads and dominates the flowerbed.
  4. A punk; a hoodlum; a hooligan.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations