The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PINGING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Approaching" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case approaching = pinging.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PINGING mean?
PINGING verb- To make a high-pitched, short and somewhat sharp sound.
- (submarine navigation) To emit a signal and then listen for its echo in order to detect objects.
- To send a packet in order to determine whether a host is present, particularly by use of the ping utility.
- (by extension) To send an email or other message to someone in hopes of eliciting a response.
- To flick.
- To bounce.
- To cause something to bounce.
- To call out audibly.
- To penalize.
- The sound of a ping.
- The act of sending a ping, as by a submarine or over a computer network.