The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word BRAGGED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
R
A
G
G
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Crew'" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case crew' = bragged.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 BRAGGED mean?
BRAGGED verb- To boast; to talk with excessive pride about what one has, is able to do, or has done; often as an attempt to popularize oneself.
- To boast of.