The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word FLAIL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
F
L
A
I
L
More clues leading to the result FLAIL
- Beat learner driver involved in crash
- Thrash learner, overwhelmed by disappointing test result
- Thrash sides in financial trouble
- Don't pass round large flounder
- Thrash about and be sick on floor
- Omit to collect large threshing implement
- Glimpse of lake in desert! Wave wildly
- Trouble after flour’s abandoned by our windmill
- Don’t pass over large whip
- Hit at random, unfortunately I fall
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Thrash" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case thrash = flail.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 FLAIL mean?
FLAIL noun- A tool used for threshing, consisting of a long handle with a shorter stick attached with a short piece of chain, thong or similar material.
- A weapon which has the (usually spherical) striking part attached to the handle with a flexible joint such as a chain.
- To beat using a flail or similar implement.
- To wave or swing vigorously
- To thresh.
- To move like a flail.