The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word DRESS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
D
R
E
S
S
More clues leading to the result DRESS
- Gown kept in padre's sideboard
- For display, arrange clean bandage
- 500 on ship wear formal clothes
- Clean frock
- Get into gear and drive East with sons
- Cultivate tidy habit
- Medical professional regularly reuses bandage
- Make attractive lady with PhD and energy empty skips
- Prepare to get into gear
- Costume could be red and small with snazzy top
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Make attractive" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case make attractive = dress.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 DRESS mean?
DRESS noun- An item of clothing (usually worn by a woman or young girl) which both covers the upper part of the body and includes skirts below the waist.
- Apparel, clothing.
- The system of furrows on the face of a millstone.
- A dress rehearsal.
- To fit out with the necessary clothing; to clothe, put clothes on (something or someone).
- To clothe oneself; to put on clothes.
- To put on the uniform and equipment necessary to play the game.
- Of a man, to allow the genitals to fall to one side or other within the trousers.
- To prepare (food) for cooking, especially by seasoning it.
- To prepare oneself; to make ready.
- To adorn, ornament.
- To ornament (a ship) by hoisting the national colours at the peak and mastheads, and setting the jack forward; when "dressed full", the signal flags and pennants are added.
- To prepare (a set) by installing the props, scenery, etc.
- To treat (a wound, or wounded person).
- To prepare for use; to fit for any use; to render suitable for an intended purpose; to get ready.
- To prepare the surface of (a material; usually stone or lumber).
- To manure (land).
- To bolt or sift flour.
- (sometimes imperative) To arrange in exact continuity of line, as soldiers; commonly to adjust to a straight line and at proper distance; to align.
- To break and train for use, as a horse or other animal.