The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word DASH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
A
S
H
More clues leading to the result DASH
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Drop/shatter" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case drop/shatter = dash.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 DASH mean?
DASH noun- Any of the following symbols: ‒ (figure dash), – (en dash), — (em dash), or ― (horizontal bar).
- (by extension) The longer of the two symbols of Morse code.
- A short run, flight.
- A rushing or violent onset.
- Violent strike; a whack.
- A small quantity of a liquid substance etc.; less than 1/8 of a teaspoon.
- (by extension) A slight admixture.
- Ostentatious vigor.
- A dashboard.
- (Liberia) A bribe or gratuity; a gift.
- A stand-in for a censored word, like "Devil" or "damn". (Compare deuce.)
- To run quickly or for a short distance.
- To leave or depart.
- To destroy by striking (against).
- To throw violently.
- (sometimes figurative) To sprinkle; to splatter.
- To mix, reduce, or adulterate, by throwing in something of an inferior quality.
- (of hopes or dreams) To ruin; to destroy.
- To dishearten; to sadden.
- To complete hastily, usually with down or off.
- To draw quickly; jot.
- Damn!