Odile leaves a large creature for a shorter version (4)
I believe the answer is:
croc
I'm afraid I can't even guess how this answer relates to the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for croc that I've seen before include "Reptile (abbrev.)" , "Small animal" , "Fierce reptile" , "Dangerous reptile" , "Pot tailless" .)