The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SPILE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
P
I
L
E
More clues leading to the result SPILE
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 SPILE mean?
SPILE noun- A splinter.
- A spigot or plug used to stop the hole in a barrel or cask.
- A spout inserted in a maple (or other tree) to draw off sap.
- To plug (a hole) with a spile.
- To draw off (a liquid) using a spile.
- To provide (a barrel, tree etc.) with a spile.
- A pile; a post or girder.
- To support by means of spiles.
- To drive piles into.
- Spoil.