The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 2 plus 2 letter word AS IF
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
S
I
F
More clues leading to the result AS IF
- Muslim boy’s expression of disbelief?
- He’s likely to be a Muslim? Most unlikely!
- I very much doubt it is receding in a female
- It’s most unlikely he’s an Arab boy
- Occasionally caustic fellow? You’re having me on
- Primarily, announcement showing incredulity flatly!
- Nothing is held back? Don’t believe it!
- I doubt that easy life is without limits
- No chance of single female hosting confirmation in Rome
- A catch for angler thrown back, not there in the end – a likely story!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "I very much doubt it" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case i very much doubt it = as if.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.