The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word EXPIRED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
E
X
P
I
R
E
D
Buddy explains!

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 EXPIRED mean?
EXPIRED verb- To die.
- To lapse and become invalid.
- To exhale; to breathe out.
- To give forth insensibly or gently, as a fluid or vapour; to emit in minute particles.
- To bring to a close; to terminate.
- That is no longer valid
- That has been breathed out
- Dead