The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word IGNITE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
I
G
N
I
T
E
More clues leading to the result IGNITE
- Fuel’s left out for fire
- Set off recall of some fleeting images
- Stir up some meeting, idly turning up
- Light infantryman must retreat by dark, according to message
- Burn coal, not its top
- Coal, left out, is set alight
- Light lifted in fleeting image
- Set off from meeting, initially somewhat upset
- Light cocktail of gin and it on the second of September
- Put a match to fuel, wasting litres
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Put a match to" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case put a match to = ignite.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 IGNITE mean?
IGNITE verb- To set fire to (something), to light (something)
- To spark off (something), to trigger
- To commence burning.
- To subject to the action of intense heat; to heat strongly; often said of incombustible or infusible substances.