The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word POKE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
O
K
E
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "this" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case this = poke.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 POKE mean?
POKE noun- A prod, jab, or thrust.
- A lazy person; a dawdler.
- A stupid or uninteresting person.
- A device to prevent an animal from leaping or breaking through fences, consisting of a yoke with a pole inserted, pointed forward.
- The storage of a value in a memory address, typically to modify the behaviour of a program or to cheat at a video game.
- A notification sent to get another user's attention on social media or an instant messenger.
- A poke bonnet.
- To prod or jab with an object such as a finger or a stick.
- To stir up a fire to remove ash or promote burning.
- To rummage; to feel or grope around.
- To modify the value stored in (a memory address).
- To put a poke (device to prevent leaping or breaking fences) on (an animal).
- To thrust at with the horns; to gore.
- To notify (another user) of activity on social media or an instant messenger.
- To thrust (something) in a particular direction such as the tongue.
- To penetrate in sexual intercourse.
- A sack or bag.
- A long, wide sleeve.
- An ice cream cone.
- Pokeweed
- Slices or cubes of raw fish or other raw seafood, mixed with sesame oil, seaweed, sea salt, herbs, spices, or other flavorful ingredients.