Cryptic crossword clue
Where there are pins keeping back the galley with key rope 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word BOWLINE

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
O
W
L
I
N
E

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "rope" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rope = bowline.
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 BOWLINE mean?

BOWLINE noun
  1. A knot tied so as to produce an eye or loop in the end of a rope; it will not slip or jam

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