The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word TYING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
Y
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result TYING
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Restrictive" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case restrictive = tying.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 TYING mean?
TYING verb- To twist (a string, rope, or the like) around itself securely.
- To form (a knot or the like) in a string or the like.
- To attach or fasten (one thing to another) by string or the like.
- To secure (something) by string or the like.
- To have the same score or position as another in a competition or ordering.
- To have the same score or position as (another) in a competition or ordering.
- To unite (musical notes) with a line or slur in the notation.
- To believe; to credit.
- In the Perl programming language, to extend (a variable) so that standard operations performed upon it invoke custom functionality instead.
- Action of the verb to tie; ligature.
- The act or process of washing ores in a buddle.