The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word GAINED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
G
A
I
N
E
D
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 GAINED mean?
GAINED verb- To acquire possession of.
- To have or receive advantage or profit; to acquire gain; to grow rich; to advance in interest, health, or happiness; to make progress.
- To come off winner or victor in; to be successful in; to obtain by competition.
- To increase.
- To be more likely to catch or overtake an individual.
- To reach.
- To draw into any interest or party; to win to one's side; to conciliate.
- To put on weight.
- (of a clock or watch) To run fast.