Cryptic crossword clue
They clean tables when last of breakfast is removed 5

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
H
A
R
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "They clean" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they clean = chars.
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 CHARS mean?

CHARS noun
  1. A charred substance.
CHARS verb
  1. To burn something to charcoal.
  2. To burn slightly or superficially so as to affect colour.
CHARS noun
  1. One of the several species of fishes of the genus Salvelinus.
CHARS noun
  1. A time; a turn or occasion.
  2. A turn of work; a labour or item of business.
  3. An odd job, a chore or piece of housework.
  4. A charlady, a woman employed to do housework; cleaning lady.
CHARS verb
  1. To turn, especially away or aside.
  2. To work, especially to do housework; to work by the day, without being a regularly hired servant.
  3. To perform; to do; to finish.
  4. To work or hew (stone, etc.).
CHARS noun
  1. A character (text element such as a letter or symbol).

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