The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ATHWART
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
T
H
W
A
R
T
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "across" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case across = athwart.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 ATHWART mean?
ATHWART adverb- From side to side; across.
- Across the path (of something).
- Wrongly; perplexingly.
- From one side to the other side of.
- Across the line of a ship's course or across its deck.
- Across the path or course of; opposing.