The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word UNBUTTONS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
U
N
B
U
T
T
O
N
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Possibly releases" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case possibly releases = unbuttons.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 UNBUTTONS mean?
UNBUTTONS verb- To open (something) by undoing its buttons.
- To come open by having its buttons unfastened.