Cryptic crossword clue
Pair in cage suspended, the first to be sent down 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word LUNGS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
L
U
N
G
S

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The straight part
We know that "Pair in cage" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pair in cage = lungs.
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 LUNGS mean?

LUNGS noun
  1. A biological organ of vertebrates that controls breathing and oxygenates the blood.
  2. (plural) Capacity for exercise or exertion; breath.
  3. That which supplies oxygen or fresh air, such as trees, parklands, forest, etc., to a place.

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