Cryptic crossword clue
Refusal, we hear, by one unbelievable smart alec 4-2-3

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 plus 2 plus 3 letter word KNOW IT ALL

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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "smart alec" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case smart alec = know it all.
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 KNOW IT ALL mean?

KNOW IT ALL noun
  1. Someone who claims to be knowledgeable or an expert in something, obnoxiously dismissing the opinions, advice, suggestions, etc. of others.

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