The term CARRIED ON, AS A TRADE can be broken down into three crossword solutions: PLIED (5 letters), PLY (3 letters), and WAGED (5 letters). PLIED is a verb meaning to work at or practice something regularly or habitually. PLY is a noun meaning an act of working at something, especially a trade or profession. WAGED is a verb meaning to carry on a trade or business. All three words refer to the idea of continuing a trade or profession, either through actively working at it or by carrying it on as a business.