Cryptic crossword clue
Principal in hospital after car crash 4

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
R
C
H
-

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Principal" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case principal = arch-.
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 ARCH- mean?

ARCH- noun
  1. An inverted U shape.
  2. An arch-shaped arrangement of trapezoidal stones, designed to redistribute downward force outward.
  3. An architectural element having the shape of an arch
  4. Any place covered by an arch; an archway.
  5. An arc; a part of a curve.
  6. A natural arch-shaped opening in a rock mass.
  7. Curved part of the bottom of a foot.
ARCH- verb
  1. To form into an arch shape
  2. To cover with an arch or arches.
ARCH- noun
  1. A chief.
ARCH- adjective
  1. Knowing, clever, mischievous.
  2. Principal; primary.

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