The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word CAMEO
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
A
M
E
O
More clues leading to the result CAMEO
- Gem carved in relief arrived with ring
- Colin Dexter, eg, often played this European in little disguise
- Senior director holds a minute or very small role
- Small dramatic role “was orgasmic, love!”
- Minor role appeared before central character in story
- Oddly claim ‘Hero’s a small role‘
- Short literary piece is a gem
- In morning fitting in manager’s performance, short
- A small part to be played in relief work
- Not much of a role for top actor of advanced circle
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "very small role" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case very small role = cameo.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 CAMEO mean?
CAMEO noun- A piece of jewelry, etc., carved in relief.
- A single very brief appearance, especially by a prominent celebrity in a movie or song.
- To appear in a cameo role.