The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word PLEA
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
P
L
E
A
More clues leading to the result PLEA
- Statement in court sure to be overlooked in happiness
- Request power, having cut electrical conductor
- A defence of simple answers?
- It could be guilty enjoyment — not certain
- Gather tenor’s ignored request
- Excuse accepted by couple amazingly
- Some people anticipate request
- Pretext to cut recreation by 50 per cent
- Request a slice of apple a day
- Large number missing Thor’s appeal
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "appeal" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case appeal = plea.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 PLEA mean?
PLEA noun- An appeal, petition, urgent prayer or entreaty.
- An excuse; an apology.
- That which is alleged or pleaded, in defense or in justification.
- That which is alleged by a party in support of his cause.
- An allegation of fact in a cause, as distinguished from a demurrer.
- The defendant’s answer to the plaintiff’s declaration and demand.
- A cause in court; a lawsuit; as, the Court of Common Pleas.
- To plead; to argue.