The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word LEASH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
L
E
A
S
H
More clues leading to the result LEASH
- Seal swimming at end of beach shows restraint for an animal
- Restraint for dog while a shopper's absorbed
- Lead compound heals
- Restraint for dogs beginning to hunt beyond meadows
- Life gutted? Remains in control
- Restrain European dressed in thong
- Unthinkable, a short part for the lead
- Secure saddle as horse shelters
- The French male remains in control
- Keeps dog from running off to fields over the hilltop
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Keeps dog from running off" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case keeps dog from running off = leash.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 LEASH mean?
LEASH noun- A strap, cord or rope with which to restrain an animal, often a dog.
- A brace and a half; a tierce.
- A set of three; three creatures of any kind, especially greyhounds, foxes, bucks, and hares; hence, the number three in general.
- A string with a loop at the end for lifting warp threads, in a loom.
- A leg rope.
- To fasten or secure with a leash.
- To curb, restrain