Auctioneer's cry

SOLD

The hammer falls when this word is declared at the end of bidding.

"Auctioneer's cry" refers to the word an auctioneer shouts when an item is successfully purchased, which is "SOLD." The clue is straightforward, playing on the common phrase used in auctions to signal the end of bidding. There’s no hidden wordplay—it’s a direct reference to the auction process.