The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word TOYS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
T
O
Y
S
More clues leading to the result TOYS
- Rolling drunk eating last of sherry trifles
- Turn over case of yoghurts and trifles
- Flirts turned drunk consuming last of Chardonnay
- Playthings for lads with time for a bit of building
- Sports awards overlooking central name
- Two eyes oddly required to see plays
- Starts to throw out young son’s playthings
- Plays closed Yankee Stadium’s opening
- Nursery stuff, lush, set back round yard
- Wise reportedly to pre-set trifles
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "plays" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case plays = toys.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 TOYS mean?
TOYS noun- Something to play with, especially as intended for use by a child.
- A thing of little importance or value; a trifle.
- A simple, light piece of music, written especially for the virginal.
- Love play, amorous dalliance; fondling.
- A vague fancy, a ridiculous idea or notion; a whim.
- An inferior graffiti artist.
- An old story; a silly tale.
- A headdress of linen or wool that hangs down over the shoulders, worn by old women of the lower classes; called also toy mutch.
- A sex toy (object or device to give sexual pleasure).
- To play (with) in an idle or desultory way.
- To ponder or consider.
- To stimulate with a sex toy.