The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word UPHEAVE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
U
P
H
E
A
V
E
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Lift" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lift = upheave.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 UPHEAVE mean?
UPHEAVE verb- To heave or lift up; raise up or aloft.
- To lift or thrust something upward forcefully, or be similarly lifted or thrust upward.
- To be lifted up; rise.