The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word LAYMEN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
L
A
Y
M
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More clues leading to the result LAYMEN
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they’re not professional" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they’re not professional = laymen.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 LAYMEN mean?
LAYMEN noun- Layperson, someone who is not an ordained cleric or member of the clergy.
- (by extension) Someone who is not a professional in a given field.
- A common person.
- A person who is untrained or lacks knowledge of a subject.
- A generally ignorant person.
- Lay-sister or lay-brother, person received into a convent of monks, following the vows, but not being member of the order.