The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word YEARN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
Y
E
A
R
N
More clues leading to the result YEARN
- Long period of time before noon
- Long period of time, November
- Long twelvemonth at end of campaign
- Long period of time before end of Ramadan
- Long story about End of Empire
- Long tale about Melibee, ultimately
- Long period beginning in November
- Long period of time before November
- Long story about Eeyore’s tail
- Long period of time ending in frustration
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Long" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case long = yearn.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 YEARN mean?
YEARN verb- To long, have a strong desire (for something).
- To long for something in the past with melancholy, nostalgically.
- To have strong feelings of love, sympathy, affection, etc. (toward someone).
- To be pained or distressed; to grieve; to mourn.
- To pain; to grieve; to vex.
- To curdle, as milk.
- Yearning; yen.