The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word SPRY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
P
R
Y
More clues leading to the result SPRY
- Active ace removed from jet
- Nimble mole overcomes resistance
- Energetic secret agent captures traitor, finally
- Active ingredient in crisp Ryvitas
- Nimble mole torn apart by rook
- Nimble agent nabbing traitor finally
- Nimble, agent crossing river
- Spoke, being agile
- Quick look across river
- Lively, so party regularly
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "pretty active for an old guy" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pretty active for an old guy = spry.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 SPRY mean?
SPRY adjective- Having great power of leaping or running; nimble; active.
- Vigorous; lively; cheerful.