The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word UPFRONT
U
P
F
R
O
N
T
More clues leading to the result UPFRONT
- Open University head under pressure
- Frank's awake on time to welcome brother
- Candid leader of union almost immediately securing following
- Open University, first to provide opening
- Open in advance without a break
- Plain‘s high point with river feeding reservoir
- Open in advance
- Open University almost immediately accepting folio
- Frank on horseback going over battle zone
- Openly paid in advance
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Plain" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case plain = upfront.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 UPFRONT mean?
UPFRONT noun- A meeting of network executives with the press and major advertisers, signaling the start of advertising sales for a new season
- To bring to the fore; to place up front for consideration
- Honest, frank and straightforward.
- In a forward, leading or frontward position.
- (of money) Paid in advance.
- Beforehand
- As an attacker