The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CONICAL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
O
N
I
C
A
L
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "As funnel often" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case as funnel often = conical.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 CONICAL mean?
CONICAL noun- A bullet with a conical shape.
- Of or relating to a cone or cones.
- Shaped like a cone.
- Describing a map projection in which meridians are mapped to equally spaced lines radiating out from the apex and parallels of latitude are mapped to circular arcs centred on the apex.