The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SAVING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
A
V
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result SAVING
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 SAVING mean?
SAVING verb- To prevent harm or difficulty.
- To put aside, to avoid.
- A reduction in cost or expenditure.
- (usually in the plural) Something (usually money) that is saved, particularly money that has been set aside for the future.
- The action of the verb to save.
- Exception; reservation
- That saves someone from damnation; redemptive.
- Preserving; rescuing.
- Thrifty; frugal.
- Bringing back in returns or in receipts the sum expended; incurring no loss, though not gainful.
- Making reservation or exception.
- (in compound adjectives) relating to making a saving: e.g. labour-saving, energy-saving light bulbs.
- With the exception of; except; save.
- Without disrespect to.