The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word RUSTY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
U
S
T
Y
More clues leading to the result RUSTY
- At heart true, pen showing signs of age
- Out of practice, well-behaved prisoner loses head
- Titian, easily irritated, blowing top
- Out of practice, but reliable
- Incompletely operate part of farm being out of practice
- Cantankerous head dismissed, not employed for some time
- Where litter can be seen after sport, showing sign of inactivity?
- Out of practice, head of firm’s removed
- Out of practice in game, feisty after first half
- Reliable prisoner loses head, being out of practice
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Out of practice" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case out of practice = rusty.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 RUSTY mean?
RUSTY adjective- Marked or corroded by rust.
- Of the rust color, reddish or reddish-brown.
- Lacking recent experience, out of practice, especially with respect to a skill or activity.
- Of clothing, especially dark clothing: worn, shabby.
- Affected with the fungal plant disease called rust.
- Discolored and rancid; reasty.