The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SMILED
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More clues leading to the result SMILED
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Was clearly pleased" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case was clearly pleased = smiled.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 SMILED mean?
SMILED verb- To have (a smile) on one's face.
- To express by smiling.
- To express amusement, pleasure, or love and kindness.
- To look cheerful and joyous; to have an appearance suited to excite joy.
- To be propitious or favourable; to countenance.