Cryptic crossword clue
Unrated article by father with covering letter 3-4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word TAX

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
A
X

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The straight part
We know that "Unrated" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case unrated = tax.
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 TAX mean?

TAX noun
  1. Money paid to the government other than for transaction-specific goods and services.
  2. A burdensome demand.
  3. A task exacted from one who is under control; a contribution or service, the rendering of which is imposed upon a subject.
  4. Charge; censure
  5. A lesson to be learned.
TAX verb
  1. To impose and collect a tax from (a person or company).
  2. To impose and collect a tax on (something).
  3. To make excessive demands on.
  4. To accuse.
  5. To examine accounts in order to allow or disallow items.

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