The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word HAULING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Tugging" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tugging = hauling.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 HAULING mean?
HAULING verb- To transport by drawing or pulling, as with horses or oxen, or a motor vehicle.
- To draw or pull something heavy.
- To carry or transport something, with a connotation that the item is heavy or otherwise difficult to move.
- To drag, to pull, to tug.
- Followed by up: to summon to be disciplined or held answerable for something.
- To pull apart, as oxen sometimes do when yoked.
- To steer (a vessel) closer to the wind.
- Of the wind: to shift fore (more towards the bow).
- To haul ass.
- Haulage