The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word FUMBLED
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Perhaps failed to catch" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case perhaps failed to catch = fumbled.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 FUMBLED mean?
FUMBLED verb- To handle nervously or awkwardly.
- To grope awkwardly in trying to find something
- To blunder uncertainly.
- To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly.
- To drop a ball or a baton etc. by accident.
- To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over.