The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word ROUT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
O
U
T
More clues leading to the result ROUT
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "one-sided battle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one-sided battle = rout.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 ROUT mean?
ROUT noun- A noise, especially a loud one
- A disturbance; tumult.
- Snoring.
- To make a noise; roar; bellow; snort.
- To snore, especially loudly.
- To belch.
- To howl as the wind; make a roaring noise.
- A violent movement; a great or violent stir; a heavy blow; a stunning blow; a stroke.
- To beat; strike; assail with blows.
- A troop or group, especially of a traveling company or throng.
- A disorderly and tumultuous crowd; a mob; hence, the rabble; the herd of common people.
- The state of being disorganized and thrown into confusion, especially when retreating from a fight.
- The act of defeating and breaking up an army or another opponent.
- A disturbance of the peace by persons assembled together with the intent to do a thing which, if executed, would make them rioters, and actually making a motion toward the executing thereof.
- A fashionable assembly, or large evening party.
- To defeat completely, forcing into disorderly retreat.
- To retreat from a confrontation in disorder.
- To assemble in a crowd, whether orderly or disorderly; to collect in company.
- To search or root in the ground, like a pig.
- To scoop out with a gouge or other tool; to furrow.
- To use a router in woodworking.
- The brent goose.