Cryptic crossword clue
Ancient punishment, one bitter to swallow, or finally deadly 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PILLORY

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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Ancient punishment" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ancient punishment = pillory.
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 PILLORY mean?

PILLORY noun
  1. A framework on a post, with holes for the hands and head, used as a means of punishment and humiliation.
PILLORY verb
  1. To put in a pillory.
  2. To subject to humiliation, scorn, ridicule or abuse.
  3. To criticize harshly.

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