The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SURVEYING
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Looking at" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case looking at = surveying.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 SURVEYING mean?
SURVEYING verb- To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook
- To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
- To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of
- To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry
- To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
- To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.
- The science of accurately determining the position of points and the distances between them.