Fake message lately in cryptic form? (4)
I believe the answer is:
code
'cryptic form?' is the definition.
'code' can be an answer for 'form?' (thesaurus). I'm unsure of the 'cryptic' bit.
'fake message lately' is the wordplay.
'fake' becomes 'cod' (I've seen this before).
'message lately' becomes 'e' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'cod'+'e'='CODE'
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for code that I've seen before include "System used to disguise or represent words, like Morse" , "Method of secret communication" , "Cypher" , "See 12" , "See 21 Across" .)