The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word *SUING*
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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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 *SUING* mean?
*SUING* verb- To file a legal action against someone, generally a non-criminal action.
- To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.
- (of a hawk) To clean (the beak, etc.).
- To leave high and dry on shore.
- To court.
- To follow.
- The act of one who sues for something.
- The process of soaking through anything.