The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word AKIMBO
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
K
I
M
B
O
More clues leading to the result AKIMBO
- Having elbows out. I am OK moving with a bit of bending
- Stance writer’s taken after spirit rebuffed by book circle
- A lass and a short lad with hands on hips?
- With arm bent, I’m hitting head of boxer in a conclusion to fight
- A disposition of arms
- King, one occupying podium with hands on hips?
- Elbows out a Victorian protagonist — British and old
- With hands on hips, regularly talk big and upset mob
- Seaman Oscar welcomes written work with open arms
- A king — one in front of mob rioting with arms like this
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "with arms splayed out" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case with arms splayed out = akimbo.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 AKIMBO mean?
AKIMBO adjective- With a crook or bend; with the hand on the hip and elbow turned outward.
- Into, in, or of the position where the arms are akimbo.