The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word AWL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
W
L
More clues leading to the result AWL
- There’s a point to this law needing reform
- Device making holes everybody heard
- Reportedly everything a leather worker needs?
- One piercing cry when heading off
- Reportedly everything a boring person may need?
- Single tool? The lot, by the sound of it
- What makes a hole in everything, we’re told
- By the sound of it, everyone’s hand tool
- Bore everyone talking
- A boring thing everyone talked of
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "a boring person may need" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a boring person may need = awl.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 AWL mean?
AWL noun- A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc.
- Any of various hesperiid butterflies.