The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word FACTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
A
C
T
S
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 FACTS mean?
FACTS noun- Something actual as opposed to invented.
- Something which is real.
- Something concrete used as a basis for further interpretation.
- An objective consensus on a fundamental reality that has been agreed upon by a substantial number of experts.
- Information about a particular subject, especially actual conditions and/or circumstances.
- An individual value or measurement at the lowest level of granularity in a data warehouse.
- Action; the realm of action.
- A wrongful or criminal deed.
- A feat or meritorious deed.