The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word COIL
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
O
I
L
More clues leading to the result COIL
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 COIL mean?
COIL noun- Something wound in the form of a helix or spiral.
- Any intrauterine device (Abbreviation: IUD)—the first IUDs were coil-shaped.
- A coil of electrically conductive wire through which electricity can flow.
- Entanglement; perplexity.
- To wind or reel e.g. a wire or rope into regular rings, often around a centerpiece.
- To wind into loops (roughly) around a common center.
- To wind cylindrically or spirally.
- To encircle and hold with, or as if with, coils.
- A noise, tumult, bustle, or turmoil.