Cryptic crossword clue
Face trap, heading for gaol for criminal act 7

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
U
G
G
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G

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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 MUGGING mean?

MUGGING verb
  1. To strike in the face.
  2. To assault for the purpose of robbery.
  3. To exaggerate a facial expression for communicative emphasis; to make a face, to pose, as for photographs or in a performance, in an exaggerated or affected manner.
  4. To photograph for identification; to take a mug shot.
  5. To learn or review a subject as much as possible in a short time; cram.
MUGGING noun
  1. A quick violent robbery of a person, usually in a public place.

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