The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word LOOPED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
L
O
O
P
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "ending back where it started" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ending back where it started = looped.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 LOOPED mean?
LOOPED verb- To form something into a loop.
- To fasten or encircle something with a loop.
- To fly an aircraft in a loop.
- To move something in a loop.
- To join electrical components to complete a circuit.
- To duplicate the route of a pipeline.
- To create an error in a computer program so that it runs in an endless loop and the computer freezes up.
- To form a loop.
- To move in a loop.
- Having loops
- Formed into a loop
- (of part of a fingerprint) whorled
- Drunk