The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MACHINATE
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More clues leading to the result MACHINATE
- Friend buried in another’s plot
- One chum engaging another to concoct a plot
- Ace hitman involved in plot
- America’s rising rival power with outlines of trade scheme
- Plot with one friend to involve another
- Friend involving another in scheme
- The maniac’s deranged scheme
- I’m a cheat about to wrap up northern plot
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "scheme" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case scheme = machinate.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 MACHINATE mean?
MACHINATE verb- To devise a plot or secret plan; to conspire.