The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word MAYHEM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
A
Y
H
E
M
More clues leading to the result MAYHEM
- Old lady on edge about youth leader’s state of chaos
- Shambles in border behind tree
- Confusion getting woman on edge
- . Could two males lead to havoc?
- Confusion as naughty 11 embraces outgoing youth
- Bedlam can appear on the border
- Month on edge in madhouse
- Chaos in spring over the border
- Bedlam seamstresses __ __ !
- Is allowed to border chaos
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "state of chaos" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case state of chaos = mayhem.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 MAYHEM mean?
MAYHEM noun- A state or situation of great confusion, disorder, trouble or destruction; chaos.
- Infliction of violent injury on a person or thing.
- The maiming of a person by depriving him of the use of any of his limbs which are necessary for defense or protection.
- The crime of damaging things or harming people on purpose.