The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word COMPARE
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Be as good as" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case be as good as = compare.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 COMPARE mean?
COMPARE noun- Comparison.
- An instruction or command that compares two values.
- Illustration by comparison; simile.
- To assess the similarities and differences between two or more things ["to compare X with Y"]. Having made the comparison of X with Y, one might have found it similar to Y or different from Y.
- To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
- (grammar) To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
- To be similar (often used in the negative).
- To get; to obtain.