The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word CARE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
A
R
E
More clues leading to the result CARE
- Clear about one wiped out pressing hint?
- Prudence and Carmen turning east
- Worry about Queen getting upset
- Worry about a group of soldiers
- Worry when vehicle has sign of no petrol?
- Concern shown when leading characters in plot swap roles
- Horse racing gets over regard for safety
- Give a hoot for vehicle on one’s right-hand side
- Anxiety and fright when son has bunked off
- Worry about Queen making comeback
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Prudence" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case prudence = care.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 CARE mean?
CARE noun- Grief, sorrow.
- Close attention; concern; responsibility.
- Worry.
- Maintenance, upkeep.
- The treatment of those in need (especially as a profession).
- The state of being cared for by others.
- The object of watchful attention or anxiety.
- To be concerned (about), to have an interest (in); to feel concern (about).
- (polite) To want, to desire; to like; to be inclined towards.
- (with for) To look after or look out for.
- To mind; to object.