The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ASSAIL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
S
S
A
I
L
More clues leading to the result ASSAIL
- Fool has trouble following attack
- Harshly ridicule a trip in tub for all to hear
- Attack revelry, the origin of which gets forgotten
- A worry, containing extremely serious attack
- Go for mug with trouble
- Go for a boat trip, touring south
- Go for a small boat trip
- Like a piece of canvas that's set about
- Attack Christmas revelry, needing to lose weight
- Carouse as of old, hiding whiskey in mug, say
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "set about" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case set about = assail.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 ASSAIL mean?
ASSAIL verb- To attack with harsh words or violent force (also figuratively).