The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word NEEDY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
N
E
E
D
Y
More clues leading to the result NEEDY
- Born and died, unknown, poor
- Poor knight, feeble, wanting wife
- Poor as a masseuse might be, I’m told
- Those closing in are like mud, really clinging
- Born next to Derry's walls in poverty
- Deprived journalist housed by Napoleonic marshal
- Poor chap captured by Napoleonic marshal
- Feeble name for whiskey on the rocks?
- Poor journalist coming into money after turnabout
- Unfortunate female born with case of dropsy
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "clinging" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case clinging = needy.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 NEEDY mean?
NEEDY adjective- In need; poor.
- Desiring constant affirmation; lacking self-confidence.
- Needful; necessary.