The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word WHIZ
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
W
H
I
Z
More clues leading to the result WHIZ
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Shoot/somebody clever" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shoot/somebody clever = whiz.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 WHIZ mean?
WHIZ noun- A whirring or hissing sound (as above).
- Someone who is remarkably skilled at something.
- (especially with the verb "take") An act of urination.
- Amphetamine.
- (with "the") Pickpocketing.
- To make a whirring or hissing sound, similar to that of an object speeding through the air.
- To rush or move swiftly with such a sound.
- To throw or spin rapidly.
- To urinate.
- Against.
- In the company of; alongside, close to; near to.
- In addition to; as an accessory to.
- Used to indicate simultaneous happening, or immediate succession or consequence.
- In support of.
- In regard to.
- To denote the accomplishment of cause, means, instrument, etc; – sometimes equivalent to by.
- Using as an instrument; by means of.
- Using as nourishment; more recently replaced by on.
- Having, owning.
- Affected by (a certain emotion or condition).
- Prompted by (a certain emotion).