The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word RUN-IN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
U
N
-
I
N
More clues leading to the result RUN-IN
- Newton in undoing argument
- Bit of bother with work round North Island
- Failure, involving new argument
- Weaken finally in bankruptcy dispute
- Quarrel leading to arrest?
- Series of matches leading to quarrel
- Confrontation from start of really loveless marriage?
- Manage during angry dispute
- Approach downfall without a trace of negativity
- Encounter with Cameron ending in destitution
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "dispute" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dispute = run-in.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 RUN-IN mean?
RUN-IN noun- An encounter; a scrape or brush, especially one involving trouble or difficulty.
- The end-phase of a competition.