Cryptic crossword clue
Sick

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word BARF

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
B
A
R
F

More clues leading to the result BARF

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "note under the counter (4)" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case note under the counter (4) = barf.
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 BARF mean?

BARF noun
  1. Vomit
BARF verb
  1. To vomit.
  2. Of a system: to fail.
BARF interjection
  1. An expression of disgust.

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