Cryptic crossword clue
Excuse being cheated by swindle 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 plus 1 letter word CONDONE  –

I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
C
O
N
D
O
N
E
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“

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Excuse" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case excuse = condone  –.
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 CONDONE  – mean?

CONDONE  – verb
  1. To forgive, excuse or overlook (something that is considered morally wrong, offensive, or generally disliked).
  2. To allow, accept or permit (something that is considered morally wrong, offensive, or generally disliked).
  3. To forgive (marital infidelity or other marital offense).

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