The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 plus 4 letter word NAIL FILE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
N
A
I
L
F
I
L
E
More clues leading to the result NAIL FILE
- Secure document for manual worker?
- Secure line required for instrument with digital application
- Join queue to get something for a manicure
- What can enhance digital presentation and fix Powerpoint document?
- Trouble comes with record after new digital enhancer
- Arrest record for accessory to grooming
- Tool for digital enhancement to capture data
- Where manicurist keeps clippings and equipment?
- Handy tool?
- Digital appliance fine
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "instrument with digital application" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case instrument with digital application = nail file.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.