Cryptic crossword clue
Former copper taken in hand about caress and let off 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word EXCULPATED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "let off" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case let off = exculpated.
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 EXCULPATED mean?

EXCULPATED verb
  1. To clear of or to free from guilt; exonerate.

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