The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 plus 3 letter word SHORT CUT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
H
O
R
T
C
U
T
More clues leading to the result SHORT CUT
- Time-saving tip that’s not so hairy?
- Bob's one for more efficient method
- Easier way to get a number one?
- Way that saves time for Bob, perhaps
- Convenient route to get copper?
- Quicker way – that’s a soldier’s style?
- Quick way to get to number 1?
- Time-saver for curt host, perhaps
- Yell about critic oddly finding a quicker route
- Easier way to produce crop
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "a quicker route" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a quicker route = short cut.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.
Crossword Answer definitions
SHORT CUT noun- A path between two points that is faster than the commonly used paths.
- A method to accomplish something that omits one or more steps.
- (in the Microsoft family of operating systems) A file that points to the location of another file and serves as a quick way to access it.
- A keyboard shortcut: a combination of keystrokes that provides easier access to a command or operation.