Cryptic crossword clue
Worker taking time off in vessel 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word OILER

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
O
I
L
E
R

Buddy explains!

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

OILER noun
  1. One who or that which oils.
  2. An oil tanker.
  3. An oil well.
  4. A small (typically thumb-sized) metal container of oil, often containing an integral brush.
  5. An oilskin coat.

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