The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word WISE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
W
I
S
E
More clues leading to the result WISE
- Erudite letters read out
- Showing sagacity the old way?
- Understanding is pervading our group
- Essentially fellow is exceptionally shrewd
- Knowing characters coming through the airwaves
- Clever wife is initially erotic
- Thoughtful letters read aloud
- Intelligent questions from the speaker
- Sensible characters, we hear?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Knowing" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case knowing = wise.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 WISE mean?
WISE verb- To become wise.
- Usually with "up", to inform or learn.
- Showing good judgement or the benefit of experience.
- Disrespectful.
- Aware, informed.
- Way, manner, method.
- To instruct.
- To advise; induce.
- To show the way, guide.
- To direct the course of, pilot.
- To cause to turn.