The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word *ARENA*
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
*
A
R
E
N
A
*
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 *ARENA* mean?
*ARENA* noun- An enclosed area, often outdoor, for the presentation of sporting events (sports arena) or other spectacular events; earthen area, often oval, specifically for rodeos (North America) or circular area for bullfights (especially Hispanic America).
- The building housing such an area; specifically, a very large, often round building, often topped with a dome, designated for indoor sporting or other major events, such as concerts.
- The sand-covered centre of an amphitheatre where contests were held in Ancient Rome.
- A realm in which events take place; an area of interest, study, behaviour, etc.