The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 plus 3 letter word FIRST AID
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
I
R
S
T
A
I
D
More clues leading to the result FIRST AID
- Wood collected for treatment
- Tree needing serious treatment, initially
- Settled under tree to get medical attention
- Tree requiring steady treatment
- Tree beside grave gets emergency treatment
- Fair distance not half negotiated for medical treatment
- Tree remained in place, we hear, getting treatment
- Grave next to tree will get immediate attention
- Sedate patient? He might need it
- Is adrift at sea, needing immediate help
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "He might need it" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case he might need it = first aid.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 FIRST AID mean?
FIRST AID adjective- Of, or pertaining to, first aid.