The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TAMPING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "filling a hole" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case filling a hole = tamping.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 TAMPING mean?
TAMPING verb- (blasting) To plug up with clay, earth, dry sand, sod, or other material, as a hole bored in a rock.
- To drive in or pack down by frequent gentle strokes
- To reduce the intensity of.
- The act of one who tamps; specifically, the act of filling up a hole in a rock, or the branch of a mine, with earth, sand, or similar material in order to contain and direct explosive force meant to blast the rock or collapse the mine.
- The material used in tamping.
- Very angry; fuming.