The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LIMPING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
L
I
M
P
I
N
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 LIMPING mean?
LIMPING verb- To walk lamely, as if favouring one leg.
- (of a vehicle) To travel with a malfunctioning system of propulsion.
- To move or proceed irregularly.
- To call, particularly in an unraised pot pre-flop.
- To be inadequate or unsatisfactory.
- To happen; befall; chance.
- To come upon; meet.
- The motion of one who limps.