The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word BETWEEN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
E
T
W
E
E
N
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "having things both ways" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case having things both ways = between.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 BETWEEN mean?
BETWEEN noun- A kind of needle, shorter than a sharp, with a small rounded eye, used for making fine stitches on heavy fabrics.
- In the position or interval that separates (two things), or intermediate in quantity or degree. (See Usage notes below.)
- Done together or reciprocally.
- Shared in confidence.
- In transit from (one to the other, or connecting places).
- Combined (by effort or ownership).
- One of (representing a choice).