The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word STAB
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
T
A
B
More clues leading to the result STAB
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Shot" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shot = stab.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 STAB mean?
STAB noun- An act of stabbing or thrusting with an object.
- A wound made by stabbing.
- Pain inflicted on a person's feelings.
- An attempt.
- Criticism.
- A single staccato chord that adds dramatic impact to a composition.
- A bacterial culture made by inoculating a solid medium, such as gelatin, with the puncture of a needle or wire.
- To pierce or to wound (somebody) with a pointed tool or weapon, especially a knife or dagger.
- To thrust in a stabbing motion.
- To recklessly hit with the tip of a pointed object, such as a weapon or finger (often used with at).
- To cause a sharp, painful sensation (often used with at).
- To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander.
- To roughen a brick wall with a pick so as to hold plaster.
- To pierce folded sheets, near their back edges, for the passage of thread or wire.