Cryptic crossword clue
Checks hovels, stifling expression of surprise when knocked over 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word STYMIES

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
T
Y
M
I
E
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Checks" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case checks = stymies.
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 STYMIES mean?

STYMIES noun
  1. A situation where an opponent's ball is directly in the way of one's own ball and the hole, on the putting green (abolished 1952).
  2. (by extension) An obstacle or obstruction.
STYMIES verb
  1. To thwart or stump; to cause to fail or to leave hopelessly puzzled, confused, or stuck.
  2. To bring into the position of, or impede by, a stymie.

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