Cryptic crossword clue
Lubricated like a spring, but not with carbon 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word OILED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
O
I
L
E
D


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The straight part
We know that "Lubricated" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lubricated = oiled.
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 OILED mean?

OILED verb
  1. To lubricate with oil.
  2. To grease with oil for cooking.
OILED adjective
  1. Covered in, or supplied with, oil.
  2. Drunk. Usually in conjunction with well.

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