The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word HONING
H
O
N
I
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "perfecting" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case perfecting = honing.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 HONING mean?
HONING verb- To sharpen with a hone; to whet.
- To use a hone to produce a precision bore.
- To refine or master (a skill).
- To make more acute, intense, or effective.
- To grumble.
- To pine, lament, or long.
- The process by which something is honed.