Cryptic crossword clue
Excusing fellow getting hooked by edge of nail 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PARDONING

P
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Excusing" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case excusing = pardoning.
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 PARDONING mean?

PARDONING verb
  1. To forgive (a person).
  2. To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
  3. To grant an official pardon for a crime.
PARDONING noun
  1. The act by which somebody is pardoned.

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