Jam, maybe, but not much butter (6)
I believe the answer is:
scrape
'jam' is the definition.
(both can mean a difficult situation)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scrape that I've seen before include "Take the surface off" , "Informally, an awkward situation due to rashness" , "Recaps about abrasion" , "Rub; (bow and) be humble" , "fine kettle of fish" .)