The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word DABBLE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
D
A
B
B
L
E
More clues leading to the result DABBLE
- In valley, very black ducks do it
- Author Margaret’s not right to act casually
- Dip into crowd when Democrat ousts Republican
- Flirt with depression in Yorkshire? Book twice for lodging
- Treat superficially books penned by Carry On actor
- Play departs, having qualified to hold Broadway opening
- Play with couple of boys in valley
- Mob having leader supplanted by Dutch tinker
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "ducks do it" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ducks do it = dabble.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 DABBLE mean?
DABBLE noun- A spattering or sprinkling of a liquid.
- An act of splashing in soft mud, water, etc.
- An act of participation in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
- To make slightly wet or soiled by spattering or sprinkling a liquid (such as water, mud, or paint) on it; to bedabble.
- To cause splashing by moving a body part like a bill or limb in soft mud, water, etc., often playfully; to play in shallow water; to paddle.
- To participate or have an interest in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
- To interfere or meddle in; to tamper with.