The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CENTRIC
C
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N
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R
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C
More clues leading to the result CENTRIC
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "toward the middle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case toward the middle = centric.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 CENTRIC mean?
CENTRIC adjective- Being in the centre; central.
- Pertaining to a nerve centre.
- (of diatoms) Being a member of the class Centrales