The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TOPLINE
T
O
P
L
I
N
E
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 TOPLINE mean?
TOPLINE noun- The upper curvature of a horse's or dog's withers, back, and loin.
- Principal billing.
- To bill (a performer) as the primary entertainer in a production.
- To be billed as the primary entertainer in (a production).