The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ESSAYS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
E
S
S
A
Y
S
More clues leading to the result ESSAYS
- Tries to present pieces for university tutor?
- Attempts to participate in games — say, skittles
- Some fantasy, as seen from the right texts
- Studies state on board English ship
- What's carried by tutees, say — some submissions to tutor?
- Mensa regularly announces tests
- Bacon pieces?
- Tries to be outrageously sassy after early start
- Some theses, say, specifically?
- Attempts papers
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "short pieces" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case short pieces = essays.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 ESSAYS mean?
ESSAYS noun- (authorship) A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
- A test, experiment; an assay.
- An attempt.
- A proposed design for a postage stamp or a banknote.
- To try.
- To move forth, as into battle.