The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word HAWS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
H
A
W
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Fruit" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fruit = haws.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 HAWS mean?
HAWS verb- To stop, in speaking, with a sound like haw; to speak with interruption and hesitation.
- Fruit of the hawthorn.
- A hedge.
- (of an animal) To turn towards the driver, typically to the left.
- To cause (an animal) to turn left.
- The third eyelid, or nictitating membrane.
- A disease of the nictitating membrane.