The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CRUSHED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
R
U
S
H
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D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "ground" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ground = crushed.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 CRUSHED mean?
CRUSHED verb- To press between two hard objects; to squeeze so as to alter the natural shape or integrity of it, or to force together into a mass.
- To reduce to fine particles by pounding or grinding
- To overwhelm by pressure or weight.
- To oppress or grievously burden.
- To overcome completely; to subdue totally.
- To be or become broken down or in, or pressed into a smaller compass, by external weight or force
- To feel infatuation or unrequited love.
- To give a compressed or foreshortened appearance to.
- Pulverized, rendered into small, disconnected fragments.
- Broken, saddened, depressed.
- Of a fabric, having the appearance of having been crushed.