The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SNIFFLE
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More clues leading to the result SNIFFLE
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Inhale/ a little" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case inhale/ a little = sniffle.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 SNIFFLE mean?
SNIFFLE noun- The act, or the sound of sniffling; the condition of having a runny or wet nose, as from a cold or allergies.
- To make a whimpering or sniffing sound when breathing, because of a runny nose.
- To utter with a whimpering or sniffing sound.