The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word DADS
D
A
D
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 DADS mean?
DADS noun- A father, a male parent.
- (familiar) Used to address one's father
- Used to address an older adult male
- A lump or piece.
- A blow; act of striking something.