The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word THUMBSCREW
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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W
More clues leading to the result THUMBSCREW
- Tries to get picked up by sailors. This could get joint wrecked
- Torture device, hence squad must bring in doctor
- Instrument of torture little Tom’s gang used
- Torture device butchers heads of men and women indiscriminately
- One puts the squeeze on Tom’s team
- Torture device like this enthralling doctor and team
- Asks for lift from gang? That could be unpleasant!
- One used to torture general’s army
- Digital features men employed on decks as an alternative to Iron Maiden?
- Hitches gang finds a cause of anguish
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "One used to torture" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one used to torture = thumbscrew.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 THUMBSCREW mean?
THUMBSCREW noun- A screw that can be turned with the thumb and fingers.
- An instrument of torture used to crush the fingers.
- A weakness that can be taken advantage of.