The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word INGLE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
I
N
G
L
E
More clues leading to the result INGLE
- Fire partially consuming leylandii
- Dell is out of date for Scott’s chum
- Old fire, one that won’t start
- One's put out second fire in room
- One must put out second fire in room
- One must extinguish second fire in room
- Place to warm up in sleeveless vest
- After removing top, circulate fire in Fife
- “Fire elected government!” – Liberal Earl
- One knocking top off large fireplace
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Old fire" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case old fire = ingle.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 INGLE mean?
INGLE noun- An open fireplace.
- A catamite.
- A paramour; a favourite; a sweetheart.
- A male lover.
- To cajole or coax; to wheedle.