The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PLUNGES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
L
U
N
G
E
S
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 PLUNGES mean?
PLUNGES verb- To thrust into liquid, or into any penetrable substance; to immerse.
- To cast, stab or throw into some thing, state, condition or action.
- To baptize by immersion.
- To dive, leap or rush (into water or some liquid); to submerge oneself.
- To fall or rush headlong into some thing, action, state or condition.
- To pitch or throw oneself headlong or violently forward, as a horse does.
- To bet heavily and recklessly; to risk large sums in gambling.
- To entangle or embarrass (mostly used in past participle).
- To overwhelm, overpower.