Crossword Genius

Speak sharply or quietly answer back (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snap

'speak sharply' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'quietly answer back' is the wordplay.
'quietly' becomes 'p' (p for piano and quiet).
'answer' becomes 'ans' (abbreviation for answer).
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'p'+'ans'='pans'
'pans' written backwards gives 'SNAP'.

'or' is the link.

(Other definitions for snap that I've seen before include "Sudden break" , "Break like informal photo" , "you may take on holiday" , "Break under strain" , "Break - children's card game" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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