The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word NEARS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
N
E
A
R
S
More clues leading to the result NEARS
- After leader’s changed, feels anxiety about approaches
- Conclusions of Austen are anathema: another actress comes close
- Approaches some within earshot
- Approaches Arsenal about wanting a midfielder
- Regularly sneer at rush approaches
- Within earshot, guarding approaches
- New organ with shiny top is arriving soon
- Gets close attention in new society
- Within earshot, hides advances
- Approaches calling for attention between bridge partners
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "approaches" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case approaches = nears.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 NEARS mean?
NEARS noun- The left side of a horse or of a team of horses pulling a carriage etc.
- To come closer to; to approach.