The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ABRUPTLY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
A
B
R
U
P
T
L
Y
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "in a very sudden way" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in a very sudden way = abruptly.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 ABRUPTLY mean?
ABRUPTLY adverb- In an abrupt manner; without giving notice, or without the usual forms; suddenly; precipitously.