The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word POLE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
P
O
L
E
More clues leading to the result POLE
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "3" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case 3 = pole.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 POLE mean?
POLE noun- Originally, a stick; now specifically, a long and slender piece of metal or (especially) wood, used for various construction or support purposes.
- A type of basic fishing rod.
- A long sports implement used for pole-vaulting; now made of glassfiber or carbon fiber, formerly also metal, bamboo and wood have been used.
- (spotting) A telescope used to identify birds, aeroplanes or wildlife.
- A unit of length, equal to a rod (1/4 chain or 5 1/2 yards).
- Pole position.
- A gun.
- A penis
- To propel by pushing with poles, to push with a pole.
- To identify something quite precisely using a telescope.
- To furnish with poles for support.
- To convey on poles.
- To stir, as molten glass, with a pole.
- To strike (the ball) very hard.
- Either of the two points on the earth's surface around which it rotates; also, similar points on any other rotating object.
- A point of magnetic focus, especially each of the two opposing such points of a magnet (designated north and south).
- A fixed point relative to other points or lines.
- A contact on an electrical device (such as a battery) at which electric current enters or leaves.
- For a meromorphic function f(z), any point a for which f(z) \rightarrow \infty as z \rightarrow a.
- The firmament; the sky.
- Either of the states that characterize a bipolar disorder.
- To induce piezoelectricity in (a substance) by aligning the dipoles.