Shrewd copper finally got there (4)
I believe the answer is:
cute
'shrewd' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'copper finally got there' is the wordplay.
'copper' becomes 'cu' (chemical symbol).
'finally' suggests the final letters.
The final letters of 'got there' are 'te'.
'cu'+'te'='CUTE'
(Other definitions for cute that I've seen before include "Appealing -- cunning" , "Location" , "Charming, quaint" , "Delightfully pretty or dainty" , "Pretty or cunning" .)