The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word WORKHORSE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
W
O
R
K
H
O
R
S
E
More clues leading to the result WORKHORSE
- Pan and tube each filled with a drop of rum punch for one
- Show broker in trouble, not born to be tireless toiler
- Trojan king captured by Greek character with less fine clothing
- Toil with animal — one that could perform arduous tasks
- Tireless labourer with alternative kosher outing
- Drudge‘s commotion about a thousand runs in stockings
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "punch for one" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case punch for one = workhorse.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 WORKHORSE mean?
WORKHORSE noun- A horse used primarily for manual labor; a draft horse
- (by extension) Anyone or anything that does a lot of work; something or someone who works consistently or regularly.