The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word TOOTHPICK
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
T
O
O
T
H
P
I
C
K
More clues leading to the result TOOTHPICK
- Thin item also broad, power in it
- Not smart enough to digest page in after-dinner article?
- First item of travel kit pooch utilised — a canine-cleaning device?
- Table implement‘s not sharp enough, needing injection of power
- Overly broad grips power tool used to get in gaps
- Not clever enough to bag first in physics? That’s fine
- It removes bits of food, also most of the cream
- Small wooden tool‘s not fine enough, Papa’a gathered
- Mouth cleanser
- Excessively stupid, grabbing power tool for clearing gaps
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "tool used to get in gaps" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tool used to get in gaps = toothpick.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 TOOTHPICK mean?
TOOTHPICK noun- A small, usually wooden, stick, often pointed at both ends, for removing food residue from between the teeth.
- To spear (food) on a toothpick.
- To transfer (a sample of bacteria, etc.) by means of a toothpick.