The Clue
Essential part (4 letter answer)
The Answer
GIST
Tags
Notes
The answer GIST is common and appears about once every 200 puzzles.
Related Clues
Crux
Essence
Heart
Kernel
Meat
Nub
Pith
Point
Drift
Purport
Basic point
Central point
General meaning
Heart of the matter
The heart of the matter
Main idea
Main point
Central part of an argument
Long and short of it
Definition
GIST as a noun:
1. (effect, essence, burden, core, gist) = the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
2. (kernel, substance, core, center, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, marrow, meat, nub, pith, sum, nitty-gritty) = the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story"