The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word OPERATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
O
P
E
R
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result OPERATE
- Ring a worried man
- Almost unrestricted speed in run
- Oxygen exercises used on speed run
- Perform Cosi Fan Tutte, perhaps at half-term
- Control over amount charged by gym
- Work time? Almost put away handle
- Function as earl – nothing to boast about
- Love goddess hosting a function
- Aida perhaps put on tie regularly for work
- Manage to perform surgery
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Manage/to perform surgery" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case manage/to perform surgery = operate.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 OPERATE mean?
OPERATE verb- To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
- To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; especially to take appropriate effect on the human system.
- To act or produce effect on the mind; to exert moral power or influence.
- To perform some manual act upon a human body in a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in amputation, lithotomy, etc.
- To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits.
- To produce, as an effect; to cause.
- To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work.