The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LAPDOGS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
L
A
P
D
O
G
S
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 LAPDOGS mean?
LAPDOGS noun- A small toy dog, kept as household pet, whose light weight and companionable temperament make it both suited and disposed to spend time resting in the comfort of its master's lap; a dog bred to behave in this manner.
- (by extension) A person who behaves in a servile manner, such as a sycophantic employee or a fawning lover.