The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PULLING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
U
L
L
I
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Getting a partner/rowing" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case getting a partner/rowing = pulling.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 PULLING mean?
PULLING verb- To apply a force to (an object) so that it comes toward the person or thing applying the force.
- To gather with the hand, or by drawing toward oneself; to pluck.
- To attract or net; to pull in.
- To persuade (someone) to have sex with one.
- To remove (something), especially from public circulation or availability.
- To retrieve or generate for use.
- To do or perform.
- (with 'a' and the name of a person, place, event, etc.) To copy or emulate the actions or behaviour that is associated with the person or thing mentioned.
- To toss a frisbee with the intention of launching the disc across the length of a field.
- To row.
- To achieve by rowing on a rowing machine.
- To draw apart; to tear; to rend.
- To strain (a muscle, tendon, ligament, etc.).
- To draw (a hostile non-player character) into combat, or toward or away from some location or target.
- To score a certain number of points in a sport.
- To hold back, and so prevent from winning.
- To take or make (a proof or impression); so called because hand presses were worked by pulling a lever.
- To strike the ball in a particular manner. (See noun sense.)
- To draw beer from a pump, keg, or other source.
- (rail transportation, of a railroad car) To pull out from a yard or station; to leave.
- To pluck or pick (flowers, fruit etc.).
- The act by which something is pulled.