The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word STAINLESS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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More clues leading to the result STAINLESS
- Without sin, but assets nil, unfortunately
- Squeaky-clean, thanks, committing no crimes when on the outside
- Lacking evidence of guilt, let heartless assassin off
- Get out more, having lost yen to be so virtuous
- Seal tins contaminated with second type of steel
- Saltiness perhaps is antiseptic
- Animated lass in set is Snow White
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Lacking evidence of guilt" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lacking evidence of guilt = stainless.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 STAINLESS mean?
STAINLESS noun- Short for stainless steel.
- Describing an alloy that is resistant to corrosion and discoloration.
- Unmarked, spotless.