The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MOULDED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
M
O
U
L
D
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "What potter did" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case what potter did = moulded.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 MOULDED mean?
MOULDED verb- To shape in or on a mold; to form into a particular shape; to give shape to.
- To guide or determine the growth or development of; influence
- To fit closely by following the contours of.
- To make a mold of or from (molten metal, for example) before casting.
- To ornament with moldings.
- To be shaped in or as if in a mold.
- To cause to become moldy; to cause mold to grow upon.
- To become moldy; to be covered or filled, in whole or in part, with a mold.
- To cover with mold or soil.