Cryptic crossword clue
Threaten subordinate

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
L
O
W
E
R

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Threaten/subordinate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case threaten/subordinate = lower.
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 LOWER mean?

LOWER adjective
  1. Situated close to, or even below, the ground or another normal reference plane; not high or lofty.
  2. Of less than normal height; below the average or normal level from which elevation is measured.
  3. Not high in status, esteem or rank, dignity, or quality. (Compare vulgar.)
  4. Humble, meek, not haughty.
  5. Disparaging; assigning little value or excellence.
  6. Being a nadir, a bottom.
  7. Depressed in mood, dejected, sad.
  8. Lacking health or vitality, strength or vivacity; feeble; weak.
  9. Small, not high (in amount or quantity, value, force, energy, etc).
  10. Simple in complexity or development; (in several set phrases) favoring simplicity; (see e.g. low church, Low Tory).
  11. (in several set phrases) Being near the equator.
  12. (acoustics) Grave in pitch, due to being produced by relatively slow vibrations (wave oscillations); flat.
  13. Quiet; soft; not loud.
  14. Made with a relatively large opening between the tongue and the palate; made with (part of) the tongue positioned low in the mouth, relative to the palate.
  15. Lesser in value than other cards, denominations, suits, etc.
  16. Not rich or seasoned; offering the minimum of nutritional requirements; plain, simple.
  17. (of an automobile, gear, etc) Designed for a slow (or the slowest) speed.
LOWER adverb
  1. Close to the ground.
  2. Of a pitch, at a lower frequency.
  3. With a low voice or sound; not loudly; gently.
  4. Under the usual price; at a moderate price; cheaply.
  5. In a low mean condition; humbly; meanly.
  6. In a time approaching our own.
  7. In a path near the equator, so that the declination is small, or near the horizon, so that the altitude is small; said of the heavenly bodies with reference to the diurnal revolution.
LOWER verb
  1. To let descend by its own weight, as something suspended; to let down
  2. To pull down
  3. To reduce the height of
  4. To depress as to direction
  5. To make less elevated
  6. To reduce the degree, intensity, strength, etc., of
  7. To bring down; to humble
  8. (lower oneself) To humble oneself; to do something one considers to be beneath one's dignity.
  9. To reduce (something) in value, amount, etc.
  10. To fall; to sink; to grow less; to diminish; to decrease
  11. To decrease in value, amount, etc.
LOWER verb
  1. To frown; to look sullen.
  2. To be dark, gloomy, and threatening, as clouds; of the sky: to be covered with dark and threatening clouds; to show threatening signs of approach, as a tempest.

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