The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word RUBATO
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
U
B
A
T
O
More clues leading to the result RUBATO
- Difficulty, a Tardis initially with zero time variation
- Massage a digit, mostly in irregular rhythm
- “Run about looking lively!” is instruction to players
- Right about improvised flexibility of tempo
- Tabour playing with a flexible tempo
- Uneven rhythm’s a difficulty at end of concerto
- Modified rhythm to massage a short digit
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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 RUBATO mean?
RUBATO noun- A tempo in which strict timing is relaxed, the music being played near, but not on, the beat