The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word INGROWN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
I
N
G
R
O
W
N
More clues leading to the result INGROWN
- Native close to joining argument in pub
- Fashionable dress includes bit of ribbing digging into flesh
- Like painful nails hammered in wrong
- Might describe toenail wax with local protection
- Part of maturing row not developed towards centre
- Good argument divides pub regarding misplaced nail
- I go on without a squabble; not starting like a painful extremity
- Native beginning to grumble and fight in bar
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Might describe toenail" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case might describe toenail = ingrown.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 INGROWN mean?
INGROWN adjective- That has grown inwards or abnormally towards (a part of the body)