Cryptic crossword clue
An unexpected trifle — a riddle, perhaps 6

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word FILTER

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
F
I
L
T
E
R

Buddy explains!

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 FILTER mean?

FILTER noun
  1. A device which separates a suspended, dissolved, or particulate matter from a fluid, solution, or other substance; any device that separates one substance from another.
  2. Electronics or software that separates unwanted signals (for example noise) from wanted signals or that attenuates selected frequencies.
  3. Any item, mechanism, device or procedure that acts to separate or isolate.
  4. Self-restraint in speech.
  5. A non-empty upper set (of a partially ordered set) which is closed under binary infima (a.k.a. meets).
FILTER verb
  1. To sort, sift, or isolate.
  2. To diffuse; to cause to be less concentrated or focused.
  3. To pass through a filter or to act as though passing through a filter.
  4. To move slowly or gradually; to come or go a few at a time.
  5. To ride a motorcycle between lanes on a road

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