The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word TUGS
T
U
G
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 TUGS mean?
TUGS noun- A sudden powerful pull.
- A tugboat.
- A kind of vehicle used for conveying timber and heavy articles.
- A trace, or drawing strap, of a harness.
- An iron hook of a hoisting tub, to which a tackle is affixed.
- An act of masturbation.
- To pull or drag with great effort
- To pull hard repeatedly
- To tow by tugboat