The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SUNBEAM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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More clues leading to the result SUNBEAM
- Unconventionally name bus “Ray”
- Ray in student group returning smile
- Timber to support Spartan characters climbing shaft
- Ray and Mark well impressed by girl in the morning
- Ray, tabloid supporter
- Ray — setter needing support
- Ray to be replacing Rhode Island in Dutch Guiana
- Ray’s succeeded to remove support, fancifully
- Menu as set must include starter of bass or ray
- Shaft setter and supporter
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "shaft" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shaft = sunbeam.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 SUNBEAM mean?
SUNBEAM noun- A visible, narrow, and intense (relative to ambient light) ray of sunlight.
- An item of cutlery or crockery laid out on a table, but not used, and which can be returned to the drawer without being washed.
- Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Curetis.
- Any hummingbird of the genus Aglaeactis.
- The direct rays, light or warmth of the sun.
- A location on which the sun's rays fall.
- Geniality or cheerfulness.
- A source of cheerfulness or joy.
- The effect which the sun has when it lights and warms some place.
- Friendly form of address often reserved for juniors.
- Ironic form of address used to an inferior or troublemaker.
- Used to address someone who has just woken up and/or is very sleepy.