The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word VICE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
V
I
C
E
More clues leading to the result VICE
- Weakness, say, when love is gone
- Wrong description of second-in-command?
- Wickedness / that gets a grip
- Compete to restrain constant crime
- Two couples rejected church's corruption
- Something wicked? It may be gripping
- Governor's weakness regarding young woman
- Not quite the chief sin?
- Number two failing
- Crime very associated with diamonds
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "corruption" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case corruption = vice.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 VICE mean?
VICE noun- A bad habit.
- Any of various crimes related (depending on jurisdiction) to prostitution, pornography, gambling, alcohol, or drugs.
- A defect in the temper or behaviour of a horse, such as to make the animal dangerous, to injure its health, or to diminish its usefulness.
- A mechanical screw apparatus used for clamping or holding (also spelled vise).
- A tool for drawing lead into cames, or flat grooved rods, for casements.
- A grip or grasp.
- A winding or spiral staircase.
- To hold or squeeze with a vice, or as if with a vice.
- One who acts in place of a superior.
- In place of; subordinate to; designating a person below another in rank
- Instead of, in place of