Cryptic crossword clue
The man left Girl Guides

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
H
E
L
M
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Guides" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case guides = helms.
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 HELMS mean?

HELMS noun
  1. The stems of various cultivated plants, left after harvesting the crop to be used as animal litter or for thatching.
  2. An individual plant stem.
  3. Part of a harness; a hame.
HELMS noun
  1. The steering apparatus of a ship, especially the tiller or wheel.
  2. (maritime) The member of the crew in charge of steering the boat.
  3. A position of leadership or control.
  4. One at the place of direction or control; a guide; a director.
  5. A helve.
HELMS verb
  1. To be a helmsman or a member of the helm; to be in charge of steering the boat.
  2. (by extension) To lead (a project, etc.).
HELMS noun
  1. A helmet.
  2. A helmet.
  3. A heavy cloud lying on the brow of a mountain.

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