The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word STOPE
S
T
O
P
E
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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 STOPE mean?
STOPE noun- A mining excavation in the form of a terrace of steps.
- To excavate in the form of stopes.
- To fill in with rubbish, as a space from which the ore has been worked out.