Cryptic crossword clue
After slowly grasping it, article is shed 4-2

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word LEAN

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
L
E
A
N


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

LEAN noun
  1. (of an object taller than its width and depth) An inclination away from the vertical.
LEAN verb
  1. To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating.
  2. To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; often with to, toward, etc.
  3. Followed by against, on, or upon: to rest or rely, for support, comfort, etc.
  4. To hang outwards.
  5. To press against.
LEAN noun
  1. Meat with no fat on it.
  2. An organism that is lean in stature.
LEAN verb
  1. To thin out (a fuel-air mixture): to reduce the fuel flow into the mixture so that there is more air or oxygen.
LEAN adjective
  1. (of a person or animal) Slim; not fleshy.
  2. (of meat) Having little fat.
  3. Having little extra or little to spare; scanty; meagre.
  4. Having a low proportion or concentration of a desired substance or ingredient.
  5. Of a character which prevents the compositor from earning the usual wages; opposed to fat.
  6. Efficient, economic, frugal, agile, slimmed-down; pertaining to the modern industrial principles of "lean manufacturing"
LEAN verb
  1. To conceal.
LEAN noun
  1. A recreational drug based on codeine-laced promethazine cough syrup, popular in the hip hop community in the southeastern United States.

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