The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LOGICAL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
L
O
G
I
C
A
L
More clues leading to the result LOGICAL
- Record I demand missing final sound
- Sound coming from American serving in bar
- Serving soldier in pub is only to be expected
- Sensible recruit takes refuge in pub
- US soldier in pub reasoned correctly
- Reasonable description of diet food impresses soldier
- I go and call afresh, being reasonable
- Makes sense to have a lot of gin in pub
- Sound made by soldier in pub
- Soldier in pub is reasoned
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "only to be expected" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case only to be expected = logical.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 LOGICAL mean?
LOGICAL adjective- In agreement with the principles of logic.
- Reasonable.
- Of or pertaining to logic.
- Non-physical or conceptual yet underpinned by something physical or actual.