The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PEERING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
E
E
R
I
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "having a close look" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case having a close look = peering.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 PEERING mean?
PEERING verb- To look with difficulty, or as if searching for something.
- To come in sight; to appear.
- To make equal in rank.
- To carry communications traffic terminating on one's own network on an equivalency basis to and from another network, usually without charge or payment. Contrast with transit where one pays another network provider to carry one's traffic.
- The act of one who peers; a looking around.
- The act of carrying communications traffic terminating on one's own network on an equivalency basis to and from another network, usually without charge or payment.