The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word MAZES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
A
Z
E
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 MAZES mean?
MAZES noun- A labyrinth; a puzzle consisting of a complicated network of paths or passages, the aim of which is to find one's way.
- Something made up of many confused or conflicting elements; a tangle.
- Confusion of thought; state of bewilderment.