The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SHARPER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
H
A
R
P
E
R
More clues leading to the result SHARPER
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "cheat" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cheat = sharper.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 SHARPER mean?
SHARPER adjective- Terminating in a point or edge, especially one that can cut easily; not obtuse or rounded.
- Intelligent.
- Higher than usual by one semitone (denoted by the symbol ♯ after the name of the note).
- Higher in pitch than required.
- Having an intense, acrid flavour.
- Sudden and intense.
- Illegal or dishonest.
- Keenly or unduly attentive to one's own interests; shrewd.
- Exact, precise, accurate; keen.
- Offensive, critical, or acrimonious.
- Stylish or attractive.
- Observant; alert; acute.
- Forming a small angle; especially, forming an angle of less than ninety degrees.
- Steep; precipitous; abrupt.
- (of a statement) Said of as extreme a value as possible.
- Tactical; risky.
- Piercing; keen; severe; painful.
- Eager or keen in pursuit; impatient for gratification.
- Fierce; ardent; fiery; violent; impetuous.
- Composed of hard, angular grains; gritty.
- Uttered in a whisper, or with the breath alone; aspirated; unvoiced.
- Hungry.
- A swindler; a cheat; a professional gambler who makes his living by cheating.