The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CONFUSE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
O
N
F
U
S
E
More clues leading to the result CONFUSE
- Puzzle put together by firm close to London
- Disorient prisoner having to integrate
- Puzzle number 100’s turn to be set
- Puzzle — carefully study what makes mine go off
- Bond with prisoner on floor
- Puzzle kid put together
- Bond with prisoner ahead in puzzle
- Mingle with criminal, join
- Criminal and female do drugs to get dizzy
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Puzzle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case puzzle = confuse.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 CONFUSE mean?
CONFUSE verb- To puzzle, perplex, baffle, bewilder (somebody).
- To mix up, muddle up (one thing with another); to mistake (one thing for another).
- To mix thoroughly; to confound; to disorder.
- To make uneasy and ashamed; to embarrass.
- To rout; discomfit.
- To be confused.