Cryptic crossword clue
Tense on the inside, girl holds out 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word LASTS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
L
A
S
T
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "holds out" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case holds out = lasts.
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 LASTS mean?

LASTS verb
  1. To perform, carry out.
  2. To endure, continue over time.
  3. To hold out, continue undefeated or entire.
LASTS noun
  1. A tool for shaping or preserving the shape of shoes.
LASTS verb
  1. To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last.
LASTS noun
  1. A burden; load; a cargo; freight.
  2. A measure of weight or quantity, varying in designation depending on the goods concerned.
  3. An old English (and Dutch) measure of the carrying capacity of a ship, equal to two tons.
  4. A load of some commodity with reference to its weight and commercial value.

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