The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word EARN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
A
R
N
More clues leading to the result EARN
- Attention needed at first to make money
- Make a spike point
- Piece of wheat needed initially to make bread
- Part of corn primarily needed to make bread
- Make eyes at really nice principals
- Make first of episodes appear rather novel
- Make listener nervous at first
- Some corn needed initially to make bread?
- Rake in pot, we’re told
- Bring in pot that's picked up
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Rake in" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rake in = earn.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 EARN mean?
EARN verb- To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.
- To receive payment for work.
- To receive payment for work.
- To cause (someone) to receive payment or reward.
- To achieve by being worthy of.
- To curdle, as milk.
- To long; to yearn.
- To grieve.
- A sea eagle (Haliaeetus), especially the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
- An eagle.