The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SHAVE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
H
A
V
E
More clues leading to the result SHAVE
- Son to possess smooth face?
- Kiss husband in bar
- He’s ripped on the outside, one very trim
- Remove growth that could be sown
- Touch saint with own following
- Third of Austrians are obliged to use plane
- Keep bandaging crown of head, as cut
- Knock off heroin in bar
- Barber cut back around crown of head
- What most men have to do in quiet way
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "use plane" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case use plane = shave.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 SHAVE mean?
SHAVE verb- To make bald or shorter by using a tool such as a razor or pair of electric clippers to cut the hair close to the skin.
- To cut anything in this fashion.
- To remove hair from one's face by this means.
- To cut finely, as with slices of meat.
- To skim along or near the surface of; to pass close to, or touch lightly, in passing.
- To reduce in size or weight.
- To be hard and severe in a bargain with; to practice extortion on; to cheat.
- To buy (a note) at a discount greater than the legal rate of interest, or to deduct in discounting it more than the legal rate allows.
- An instance of shaving.
- A thin slice; a shaving.
- An exorbitant discount on a note.
- A premium paid for an extension of the time of delivery or payment, or for the right to vary a stock contract in any particular.
- A hand tool consisting of a sharp blade with a handle at each end; a spokeshave.
- A narrow miss or escape; a close shave.