The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word GULPS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
G
U
L
P
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Takes in" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case takes in = gulps.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 GULPS mean?
GULPS noun- The usual amount swallowed.
- The sound of swallowing, sometimes indicating fear.
- An unspecified small number of bytes, often two.
- To swallow eagerly, or in large draughts; to swallow up; to take down in one swallow.
- To react nervously by swallowing.