The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word IDEAL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
I
D
E
A
L
More clues leading to the result IDEAL
- Model banker at table’s description of what he does?
- Current arrangement could be perfect
- Example given in current understanding
- Principle that is engaging Democrat most of all
- Model and I do business
- Island with wood is perfect
- Claim by trader to be perfect
- It's best the setter gives you a hand?
- What a casino employee might say is perfect?
- Best I do some trading
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Principle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case principle = ideal.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 IDEAL mean?
IDEAL adjective- Optimal; being the best possibility.
- Perfect, flawless, having no defects.
- Pertaining to ideas, or to a given idea.
- Existing only in the mind; conceptual, imaginary.
- Teaching or relating to the doctrine of idealism.
- Not actually present, but considered as present when limits at infinity are included.