The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SHEAR
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
H
E
A
R
More clues leading to the result SHEAR
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Shark/cut" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shark/cut = shear.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 SHEAR mean?
SHEAR noun- A cutting tool similar to scissors, but often larger.
- The act of shearing, or something removed by shearing.
- Forces that push in opposite directions.
- A transformation that displaces every point in a direction parallel to some given line by a distance proportional to the point’s distance from the line.
- The response of a rock to deformation usually by compressive stress, resulting in particular textures.
- To cut, originally with a sword or other bladed weapon, now usually with shears, or as if using shears.
- To remove the fleece from a sheep etc by clipping.
- To deform because of forces pushing in opposite directions.
- To transform by displacing every point in a direction parallel to some given line by a distance proportional to the point’s distance from the line.
- To make a vertical cut in the coal.
- To reap, as grain.
- To deprive of property; to fleece.