The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word BEAK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
E
A
K
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Master/part of 24, for example" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case master/part of 24, for example = beak.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 BEAK mean?
BEAK noun- Anatomical uses.
- Figurative uses.
- Colloquial uses.
- Strike with the beak.
- Seize with the beak.
- To play truant.