The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SINEW
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
I
N
E
W
More clues leading to the result SINEW
- Without wife as source of strength
- Strength of over 50 per cent of oscillation
- Strength of unusual wines
- Source of strength identified by wife attending function
- Strength is recalled not having been used?
- Physical strength is back, regenerated
- Is about to mount virgin – produces tissue
- Stitch secured in ligament
- Power is rising by three quarters
- Function with muscle
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "source of power" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case source of power = sinew.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 SINEW mean?
SINEW noun- A cord or tendon of the body.
- A cord or string, particularly as of a musical instrument.
- Muscular power, muscle; nerve, nervous energy; vigor, vigorous strength.
- (often in the plural) That which gives strength or in which strength consists; a supporting factor or member; mainstay.
- A nerve.
- To knit together or make strong with, or as if with, sinews.