The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word POPPING
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
P
O
P
P
I
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Going off" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case going off = popping.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 POPPING mean?
POPPING verb- To make a pop, or sharp, quick sound.
- To burst (something) with a popping sound.
- (with in, out, upon, etc.) To enter, or issue forth, with a quick, sudden movement; to move from place to place suddenly; to dart.
- To place (something) (somewhere); to move or position (something) with a short movement.
- (often with over, round, along, etc.) To make a short trip or visit.
- To stand out; to be distinctive to the senses.
- To hit (something or someone).
- To shoot (usually somebody) with a firearm.
- To ejaculate.
- To remove (a data item) from the top of a stack.
- To remove a data item from the top of (a stack).
- To pawn (something) (to raise money).
- To swallow or consume (especially a tablet of a drug, sometimes extended to other small items such as sweets or candy).
- To perform (a move or stunt) while riding a board or vehicle.
- (of the ears) To undergo equalization of pressure when the Eustachian tubes open.
- The act or sound of something that pops.
- A funk dance.