The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word CREPT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
R
E
P
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "moved cautiously" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case moved cautiously = crept.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 CREPT mean?
CREPT verb- To move slowly with the abdomen close to the ground.
- Of plants, to grow across a surface rather than upwards.
- To move slowly and quietly in a particular direction.
- To make small gradual changes, usually in a particular direction.
- To move in a stealthy or secret manner; to move imperceptibly or clandestinely; to steal in; to insinuate itself or oneself.
- To slip, or to become slightly displaced.
- To move or behave with servility or exaggerated humility; to fawn.
- To have a sensation as of insects creeping on the skin of the body; to crawl.
- To drag in deep water with creepers, as for recovering a submarine cable.
- To covertly have sex (with a person other than one's primary partner); to cheat with.