The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word TROD
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
T
R
O
D
More clues leading to the result TROD
- Set foot in gastro diner
- Path no longer in use, ivy bush enveloping centre of spurway
- Squashed parrot’s foot on perch
- Starts to test rules? Our dad put his foot down!
- Took steps, seeing team’s leader standing beside bar
- Put one’s foot down back in Tudor times
- Walked and finally sat on perch
- Walked sixteen and a half feet after start of tour
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "put his foot down" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case put his foot down = trod.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 TROD mean?
TROD verb- To step or walk (on or over something); to trample.
- To step or walk upon.
- To beat or press with the feet.
- To go through or accomplish by walking, dancing, etc.
- To crush under the foot; to trample in contempt or hatred; to subdue.
- To copulate; said of (especially male) birds.
- (of a male bird) To copulate with.
- To walk heavily or laboriously; plod; tread
- A track or pathway.