The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SCRIMP
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
C
R
I
M
P
More clues leading to the result SCRIMP
- Save policemen turning up around border
- Save money? Shortening of film scenario saving millions
- Senior common room is most profligate first of all — economise
- Be near opening of sheep fold
- Coppers upset receiving lip in stint
- Shorten second wave
- Cut back on investing millions in share certificates
- Small creature has cold, rather than hot, stint
- Save Viz – ring head of publishing
- Save son caught parking on edge
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Shorten" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shorten = scrimp.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 SCRIMP mean?
SCRIMP noun- A pinching miser; a niggard.
- To make too small or short.
- To limit or straiten; to put on short allowance.
- To be frugal.
- Short; scanty; curtailed.