The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word GURNING
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
G
U
R
N
I
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G
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 GURNING mean?
GURNING noun- A light-hearted competition in which people girn (make elaborate faces) through a horse collar; most popular in rural parts of England.
- To make a grotesque or funny face.