The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word FUDGING
F
U
D
G
I
N
G
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 FUDGING mean?
FUDGING verb- To try to avoid giving a direct answer.
- To alter something from its true state, as to hide a flaw or uncertainty. Always deliberate, but not necessarily dishonest or immoral.
- To botch or bungle something.
- To cheat, especially in the game of marbles.
- The act of something being fudged, altered so as to hide a flaw or uncertainty.