The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MEASURE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
E
A
S
U
R
E
More clues leading to the result MEASURE
- Ruler’s stately dance
- Your writer confident around a music bar
- Your setter has a completely confident step
- This setter certain to be after a pint, say
- Evaluate course of action
- Maine, a certain size
- Complaint with a certain length?
- Setter with a certain standard
- Size of Maine by area, proven
- Tip from Midge Ure about each second bar of music
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "step" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case step = measure.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 MEASURE mean?
MEASURE noun- A prescribed quantity or extent.
- The act or result of measuring.
- Metrical rhythm.
- A course of action.
- To ascertain the quantity of a unit of material via calculated comparison with respect to a standard.
- To be of (a certain size), to have (a certain measurement)
- To estimate the unit size of something.
- To judge, value, or appraise.
- To obtain or set apart; to mark in even increments.
- To traverse, cross, pass along; to travel over.
- To adjust by a rule or standard.
- To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; often with out or off.